By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is expected to remain sidelined for Game 1 of the playoffs series against the Utah Jazz Saturday, as reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Doncic suffered a calf strain at the regular-season finale against the San Antonio Spurs last Sunday, after landing awkwardly on his foot in an attempt to reach a pass. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has noted Wednesday that Doncic could also miss Game 2 and that there’s “a lot of skepticism” about his status.
The Slovenian three-time All-Star concluded the 2021-22 regular season with an average of 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 8.7 assists in 35.4 minutes across 65 games and his absence in Game 1 is a big blow for the Mavs. If Doncic doesn’t return for Game 2 on Monday, there’s a two-day break in the series before Game 3 in Utah Thursday (April 21), offering the possibility to recover before the Mavs hit the road.
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