Luka Doncic Listed as Questionable for Mavericks vs. Jazz Game 3 with Calf Injury

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIApril 20, 2022

DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 18: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball while working out prior to Game Two of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center on April 18, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks have listed point guard Luka Doncic as questionable for Game 3 of their first-round playoff series with a strained left calf.

Doncic, who suffered the injury in the Mavs' April 10 regular-season finale against the San Antonio Spurs, has missed the first two games of the Dallas-Utah series.

Per ESPN's Tim MacMahon, the Mavs listed Doncic as doubtful for those matchups.

Game 3 is scheduled for Thursday at 9 p.m. ET from Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Mavs and Jazz split the first two games in Dallas. A low-scoring Game 1 went in Utah's favor as the Jazz outlasted the Mavs 99-93 behind 30 second-half points from Donovan Mitchell.

It was a far different story in Game 2 as Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson went off for a career-high 41 points in a 110-104 win.

Utah was favored in both games with the Mavs missing Doncic, who averaged 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 8.7 assists this past season. He's a three-time All-Star and could be in line for his third All-NBA first-team nod this year.

Simply put, the Jazz didn't take advantage of their opportunity, and now Doncic could be in line for a return. A good sign emerged Wednesday as Doncic was seen getting some shots up on the move, per MacMahon and Callie Caplan of the Dallas Morning News:

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Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Luka Doncic getting some shots up on the move as media is let in at the end of Mavs’ practice: <a href="https://t.co/MCiVCJecUp">pic.twitter.com/MCiVCJecUp</a>

Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Luka Doncic is shooting with Mavs as they finish practice with group 3-point competitions.<br><br>He looks more active and agile than in some of his recent shooting regimens. <a href="https://t.co/RnVwkbbBCP">pic.twitter.com/RnVwkbbBCP</a>

Doncic spoke with reporters about the injury Wednesday and what might be ahead for him:

Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Luka Doncic: "I don’t know if I’m going to be 100 percent. I think that’s tough right now. But if I’m ready and there’s no risk of [aggravating the] injury, I’ll be out there."

If he can't go for Game 3, then his next chance to get back will be Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET for Game 4.