When will Luka Doncic be back?
The Dallas Mavericks missed Luka Doncic for the first two games of the first-round playoff series against the Utah Jazz, but they might soon get him back.
Luka Doncic missed the first two games of the Dallas Maverick’s first-round playoff series against the Utah Jazz, but the superstar point guard may just make it back to the court in time for Game 3 or 4, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The Mavericks are optimistic that he will soon recover from the calf strain he sustained in the last game of the regular season against the San Antonio Spurs on April 10.
The state of the injury is reportedly improving, with Doncic doing some light shooting, although the Mavericks have not set an exact timetable for the 23-year-old’s return.
Despite the absence of the 2019 Rookie of the Year, the Mavs have managed to hold their own. Although they were defeated in Game 1, they were able to even the score at 1-1 by beating the Jazz 110-104 on Monday.
Jalen Brunson steps up
Point guard Jalen Brunson competently filled Doncic’s shoes and put up spectacular numbers, wrapping up the game with a career-high 41 points. He also delivered eight rebounds and five assists and avoided any turnovers.
Utah will have the home court advantage in the next couple of games, but if Doncic does end being well enough to play, they will have to step up their game to be able to contain Dallas.
The Mavericks head to Utah for Games 3 and 4. Tip-off on Thursday is at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, while the matchup on Saturday begins at 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 PT.