AP Photo/Rusty Jones
Luka Doncic is not expected to play in the first game of the NBA playoffs.
There are significant concerns about his availability for the second game of the series on Monday because of his calf strain.
The Mavericks' best player had been diagnosed with a left calf strain and would miss the first round of the playoffs. While the team said there was no timetable for when he would return, head coach Kidd initially remained evasive.
Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported two days later that the three-time All-Star was expected to be out.
Doncic had a monster regular season. He shot a career-high 35.3% from beyond the line and averaged 28.4 points, 9.1 rebound and 8.7 assists.
Nobody will be more important than the Slovenian as the Mavs look to improve on their first-round exit. He led the NBA in usage rate for the second season in a row.
Through his first 13 playoff games, he averaged 33.5 points, 8.8 rebound and 9.5 assists.
Dallas is a bit of an outsider for the title with a healthy Doncic. The team is in serious trouble if he is playing hurt.
Game 1 of the Western Conference playoffs will take place on Saturday at 1 p.m. There is an error in the text.
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