Luka Doncic questionable but likely to play in Dallas Mavericks Game 4 vs. Jazz

The Dallas Mavericks grabbed control of their first-round playoff series against the Utah Jazz on Thursday night with a 126-118 win in Salt Lake City without Luka Doncic. The 23-year-old superstar has not played since straining his left calf in the regular-season finale, and the Mavs still hold a 2-1 edge in the series. Dallas has all the momentum, and things just keep getting better.

Luka was close to playing in Game 3, but the Mavericks decided to hold him out after earning a split at home. Doncic noted that “the risk was too much” when he met with reporters on April 22. There was no need to rush him with the series tied, and Dallas came out and took control from the opening tipoff on April 21 without Doncic. Utah has no answers for Jalen Brunson and the Mavs attack, and it will only improve when Luka takes the floor.

Doncic has been increasing his activity in practice each day, and he appears set to rejoin the team for Game 4 as Marc Stein first reported on April 21. Here is a look at the latest on the Mavericks superstar.

Luka Doncic appears set to return for Dallas Mavericks Game 4 vs. Jazz

Luka got in another day of work on Friday. He did some 5-on-5 scrimmaging and was a full particpant in practice. The team said he will not be back until he is 100 percent, and that appears to be the case as the 23-year-old superstar prepares to take on the Jazz on Saturday afternoon.

He was again listed as questionable, but all signs point to Doncic playing in Game 4. The 6’7 guard will warmup on the court before the game before a final determination on his status is made. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said he was optimistic Luka would play on April 23.

Utah has struggled to stop dribble penetration and kick-outs in the series, and fans know Doncic is one of the best in the league at creating both. Expect him to carve up the Jazz defense as Utah attempts to get Luka defending on the ball to even the series.

Doncic averaged 33.5 points per game through his first 13 playoff contests, and fans have seen him take his game to another level on the biggest stages. Expect Luka to be healthy when he returns and put on a show for all the MFFLs.

Fans will not want to miss Saturday afternoon’s contest as the Dallas Mavericks take on the Utah Jazz as it will likely be the first time in the series with Luka Doncic. The contest promises to bring fireworks, so be sure to tune in and enjoy.