Luka Doncic out Game 1: Mavericks playing ‘long game’ with injury timeline

Dallas Mavericks’ star guard, Luka Doncic, is expected to miss game one due to a regular-season calf strain. 

Dallas Mavericks Luka Doncic is expected to miss Game 1 of the first-round game against the Utah Jazz on Saturday. The all-star point guard suffered a calf strain in the last game of the regular season and the status of his full recovery remains unknown.

Doncic acquired the injury against the San Antonio Spurs in the final game of the regular season when Doncic landed wrong after attempting to make a pass.

Below is how the injury occurred.

Luka Doncic injury update

The injury definitely tanks the Maverick’s ability to keep the edge the team has this series after the team captured home-court advantage in the postseason for the first time since 2011 according to CBS.

The health of Doncic is going to be a story to follow day by day as the guard is a key component to the Maverick’s success in the playoffs. The Mavericks are going to have to rely on Spencer Dinwiddie or Jalen Brunson in an attempt to fill the star guard’s shoes. Though both players can deliver for the Mavericks, the team will lack what Doncic brings to the floor in terms of his offensive playmaking.

Dinwiddie has been one of the most improved and vital players for the team this season, after being traded from the Washington Wizards this season. Dinwiddie put up 13.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, and 5.2 APG with a 40 percent from the long-range.

Brunson has also pushed through for the Mavericks this season, seeing a career-high 16.3 points and 4.8 assists. Brunson can shoot over 50 percent from the field and pairing him with Dinwiddie would be the best alternative for the Mavericks with Doncic out.

The Mavericks are skeptical about the return of Doncic and have to prepare for the worse if he is to remain out for the remainder of the postseason. The timeline of when Doncic is to return is unknown and is being watched closely.