The Dallas Mavericks are gearing up for Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Utah Jazz, and it will likely mark the return of Luka Doncic. The 23-year-old superstar has not played since suffering a calf strain in the team’s regular-season finale on April 10 as the Mavs have built a 2-1 series lead without him.
Fans should be confident that Doncic is healthy if he takes the floor. The Mavericks do not want to risk him suffering a more serious injury, and they have made it clear that Luka would not play again until he is 100 percent. Having the lead in the series only further makes that possible, so expect a healthy number 77 if he returns on Saturday afternoon.
Doncic is officially listed as questionable for Game 4, but all signs point to him playing, so what should fans expect from Luka on Saturday afternoon against the Jazz?
What to expect from Luka Doncic in Dallas Mavericks playoff series vs. Jazz
Doncic destroyed the Jazz during the regular season. He missed the Christmas Day meeting in the health and safety protocols before going for 23 points and 11 assists in February. In the two contests at the American Airlines Center, Luka scored 32-plus and had over ten rebounds.
Utah has struggled to stop dribble penetration in the series, so fans should expect more strong performances from the 23-year-old superstar.
Doncic has not played in almost two weeks, so it will be worth watching how rusty he is to start the contest. Jalen Brunson has been the best player on the court in the last two games, so the Mavs could ease Luka back into action by letting JB do more early, but expect number 77 to take over in short order.
Here are three things fans should expect from Luka Doncic in his playoff return against the Utah Jazz.