Luka Doncic injury update: Mavericks star expected to play in Game 4 / News - Basketnews.com

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There's increasing optimism Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic will make his return to the lineup for Game 4 against the Utah Jazz on Saturday, sources told ESPN.

Luka Doncic

MIN:35.39PTS:28.42 (53.12%)REB:9.11As:8.74ST:1.15BL:0.55TO:4.48GM:65ProfileNBA2021/2022

Once Doncic completes warm-ups without any setbacks on a left calf strain that has sidelined him since April 10, the plan will be for him to play limited minutes in his series debut. The Mavericks lead the series 2-1.

Doncic has been doing full-speed basketball activity since Tuesday, played 5-on-5 on Thursday and Friday, and said he is not experiencing any pain or discomfort in his calf.

Head coach Jason Kidd originally projected 7-10 days for Doncic to heal, but said this week the team remains cautious in its approach.

His patience might be assisted by the Mavericks winning two games in a row after dropping the opener in the series against the Jazz.

With Doncic sidelined, his teammate Jalen Brunson stepped up and has averaged 32 points over the first three games of the series.

Doncic averaged 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 8.7 assists in 65 starts this season, finishing third in the league in scoring and fifth in assists.

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