Luka Doncic 'uncertain' for Game 3, source says, but Dallas Mavericks hopeful return is near

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There is hope that Luka Doncic will be able to return for the Mavericks in their first-round series against the Utah Jazz.

One source said that Doncic was day to day and that there was hope that he could return for Game 3.

The Mavericks were off Tuesday, but Doncic continued his rehabilitation work. How Doncic's calf responds to Tuesday's workout and Wednesday's practice, in which his participation is to be determined, will be critical to his chances of returning this week.

Dallas evened the series with a win on Monday, led by guard Jalen Brunson, who scored a career-high 41 points.

Mavericks coach Kidd said before the game that Doncic was going in the right direction.

He is doing more each day. I think he is in a great place mentally. Kidd said that he's been happy and joking. If he can't play, we have to play without him.

Doncic was injured during the Mavericks regular-season finale.

According to information compiled by InStreetClothes.com, the average absence for a calf strain for NBA players this season has been 16 days. Mavericks reserve guard Frank Ntilikina returned from a calf strain in 12 days. Doncic will be out for 11 days after he was injured.

He wants to get out there soon, but he has to take his time. I don't know where he is in the recovery process, but I know he wants to be out there. We are trying to hold it down for him.