Dallas Mavericks will face the Utah Jazz in the first round of the playoffs opening next weekend. Luka Doncic suffered a calf strain during Mavs’ 130-120 victory over San Antonio Sunday.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, there is optimism Doncic did not suffer a significant injury and he might be ready for the opening playoff game this weekend. Doncic posted 26 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists in 29 minutes before sustaining the calf injury.
There’s initial optimism that Dallas star Luka Doncic hasn’t suffered a significant injury, source tells ESPN. Team is calling it a strained left calf. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 11, 2022
Dallas ended the regular season as the fourth seed in the Western Conference and will play the Utah Jazz in the first round of the NBA postseason starting next Saturday. Doncic finished the regular season with averages of 28.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.7 assists.
Doncic grabbed his calf briefly after jumping to throw a pass and asked for a timeout with 2:24 remaining in the third quarter. He then hobbled to the locker room to receive treatment.
“We’ll know more tomorrow, and we’ll go from there,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd said after the 130-120 win Sunday, per ESPN. “Hopefully, it’s not too serious.”
A potential issue with Doncic will hurt Mavs’ chance for a deep playoff run this season. The team hasn’t gone past through the first round in the last 11 years. Doncic will hope to make it past the opening round for the first time in his young career.
After a slow start in the 2021-22 regular season, Dallas had a breakthrough as a team since January to finish the season with a 52-30 record. They only suffered 12 defeats since January 1st.
“Knowing the competitor that he is, I feel like he’ll be ready. It’s unfortunate, but a competitor like that you can’t keep down for long,” Dallas’ point guard Jalen Brunson said after Mavs’ final game of the regular season.
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