Mavericks star Luka Doncic is considered a game-time decision for Game 3 of the playoff series vs. the Jazz on Thursday, coach Jason Kidd told reporters, as relayed by Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
Nothing official involving Doncic’s status is expected to be announced until closer to the start of the game.
Doncic told reporters after Thursday’s shootaround that he’s “feeling great,” though sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that there’s “significant pessimism” about Doncic playing in Game 3. A return for Game 4 seems more likely.
Stein reported Wednesday that Doncic had ramped up his practice activity ahead of Game 3. Doncic missed the first two games of the series with a left calf strain, suffered in the regular-season finale on April 10. The Mavs’ series with the Jazz is tied at 1-all as it shifts to Utah for Games 3 and 4.
“We need Luka back. We want him back ASAP,” forward Maxi Kleber said after the Mavericks’ 110-104 win on Monday. “But obviously we want him back healthy so he stays healthy and helps us because we know he’s our best player.”
Doncic, 23, appeared in 65 games this season, compiling impressive averages of 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 8.7 assists.
“The calf strain that Doncic suffered on April 10 is improving and workouts over next two days could determine comeback timing,” The Athletic’s Shams Charania wrote.
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