5 keys to Dallas Mavericks defeating Utah Jazz in 2022 NBA Playoffs

Dallas Mavericks key to defeating Utah Jazz in playoffs: 1. Luka Doncic

The Mavs are not going to win the series without Luka. They need him to return to the lineup at some point and take over. Dallas is the superior team, but they must have their superstar on the court to advance.

Doncic is likely to miss Game 1 and his status for Monday’s Game 2 is questionable at best. Then, they have off until Thursday as the series shifts to Utah. Game 3 would put Luka 11 days post-injury, which seems like a reasonable timeline if it is a mild calf strain. The Mavericks do not want to be staring at an 0-2 deficit as the series shifts to Utah, but fans know number 77 takes his game to another level in the postseason.

When will Luka play? What should fans expect when he takes the court? The Mavericks are not going to allow him to play if he is not close to 100 percent, so Doncic will be putting on a show once he returns. When that will happen is the biggest question of the series.

Luka Doncic will carve up Utah’s defense and give the Dallas Mavericks every chance to advance to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2011. Supporters just need to wait until he is healthy, and they can stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest on his injury and the series against the Jazz.