Dallas Mavericks: Is Luka Doncic Playing in Game 3 vs. Jazz?

Luka Doncic has missed the two first-round games of Dallas Mavericks against Utah Jazz due to his injury but hopes that he will return on Game 3 or Game 4 loomed on Thursday.

According to The Athletic NBA Insider Shams Charania, there is "optimism" that Doncic will return for the upcoming games to be held on Thursday or Saturday, according to SB Nation.

"The calf strain that Doncic suffered on April 10 is improving and workouts over the next two days could determine comeback timing," Charania pointed out, citing sources.

On Wednesday, the Dallas Mavericks also took to Twitter to announce that Doncic, who suffered a left calf strain, is "questionable" for Game 3 in Utah.

However, Clutch Points underscored that the questionable status does not guarantee that he will play in game 3.

SB Nation pointed out that Doncic has been spotted working out cautiously before games. The outlet further noted that he was also seen moving around benches during the Mavericks' first and second games against the Utah Jazz. Doncic was also reportedly seen getting some shots up during game stoppages.

Dallas Mavericks Luka Doncic is Unsure if He can Play in Game 3 vs. Jazz

Luka Doncic is also not sure if he can play on Thursday after sustaining a left calf injury.

According to ESPN reporter Tim MacMahon, Doncic said he does not know if he can appear in the game 100 percent. However, he said that he will be playing for his team again once there is no risk of his injury.

"If there's going to be a risk, I don't think I'm going to play... But like I said, today and yesterday, we did some good things. If it's not risky, I don't want to play for limited minutes. I'd be nervous. I want to be out there the most time as possible," Doncic said in an interview on Wednesday, per The Dallas Morning News.

Doncic also opened up that it was stressful for him to sit out and watch the games. He then pointed out that he missed basketball even though he only missed a total of two games.

On Wednesday, Mavericks' coach, Jason Kidd, gave an update regarding Doncic's development.

Kidd highlighted that Doncic's treatment is going in the right direction. The coach also noted that Doncic playing in game 3 will depend on how he feels on Thursday.

Mavericks Star Luka Doncic Calf Injury; When Can He Return to the Court?

Doncic got his calf injury at their season finale against the San Antonio Spurs.

NBC 5 reported that the Doncic sustained the injury with 2:35 remaining in the third quarter. Doncic reportedly tried to dive to the basket but passed the ball back to the top of the key when the Spurs' defense blocked his path.

He was then seen holding his lower leg after Doncic tried to move away from the perimeter.

Jeff Stotts, an injury analyst, told The Dallas Morning News that NBA players who sustained calf strains this season missed an average of 16 days.

Meanwhile, medical experts told the outlet that first-grade calf strains take at least 10 days to heal.

The Dallas Mavericks have not revealed the severity of Luka Doncic's calf injury.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written By: Joshua Summers

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