<p>NEW ORLEANS — Luka Doncic missed his second straight game Saturday, sitting out against New Orleans because of an illness that coach Rick Carlisle said was not related to COVID-19.</p>
<p>“He just wasn’t feeling well,” Carlisle said. “We sent him back to the hotel.”</p>
<p>Doncic didn’t play in a 109-94 loss to Indiana on Friday because of back soreness.</p>
<p>Carlisle said he could not predict how long Doncic’s illness might keep him out.</p>
<p>“We always certainly hope it’s not serious,” Carlisle said. “We don’t believe it is. That’s all I can tell you. That’s all I’ve been told right now.”</p>
<p>The Mavericks also played without center Kristaps Porzingis, who was held out against the Pelicans to rest his knees instead of playing the second game of a back-to-back.</p>
<p>“So we’re down to a somewhat limited roster,” Carlisle said. “It’ll be a next-man-up situation. (Porzingis) could play, but we’re not playing him. We just feel it’s the best thing for the team and for him. I’m talking of the big picture of the season.”</p>
