2 min read • April 18, 2022
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Luka Doncic, the Mavericks international superstar, is doubtful for Monday's contest against the Jazz as he recovers from a left calf strain he suffered on the final day of the regular season.
Video from Sunday morning showed Doncic resuming light on-court activities at the Mavericks practice. The short clip showed the 23-year-old shooting five-foot shots with his feet flat on the ground.
Doncic is still reportedly considered “day-to-day,” but its not encouraging that he hasn't been cleared for more strenuous activity.
While it makes sense that the team and Doncic are being cautious with his usage, the ProBasketballDocs – including former Bulls head team doctor John Hefferon – believed the fourth-year guard could have played in Game 1.
He carries a Sports Injury Central health score of 71, indicating that he can play through the injury with nearly three-quarters of his usual effectiveness. The key downsides to him playing through the injury would be his limited mobility on defense and the risk of reaggravating the muscle strain.
The Jazz took Game 1 of the series behind 32 points from Donovan Mitchell.
Jalen Brunson and Spencer Dinwiddie were the leading scorers for the Mavericks with Doncic out. They scored a combined 46 points and shot 38% from the field.
In three games against Utah this season, Doncic averaged 30 points and 7.7 assists while shooting 45.6% from the field and 44.4% from 3.
Game 3 of the series is set to take place Thursday, a full 10 days after Doncic suffered the calf strain.
The Jazz are 5-point favorites in Game 2 and the over/under is 205.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
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