The Dallas Mavericks are set to take on the Utah Jazz in Round 1 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs. However, the Mavs are expected to start the playoff run without Luka Doncic. The star suffered a left calf strain in the Mavs’ regular-season finale win over the San Antonio Spurs.

Despite his anticipated absence in Game 1 Saturday afternoon, Doncic brought good news with him to the American Airlines Center.

The Athletic’s Dorothy J. Gentry tweeted a video of the Mavs star ahead of Game 1. As noted by ProFootballDoc David J. Chao, Doncic isn’t wearing the boot he’s been seen in previously.

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Chao also pointed out that Doncic is still limping, so it makes sense that the point guard is unavailable for tip-off.

Fortunately for the Mavs, Doncic is likely to return for Game 2 on Monday. Throughout the regular season, Doncic was Dallas’ main contributor and attributed to the team’s overarching success. He averaged 28.4 points, 8.7 assists, and 9.1 rebounds each game.

The star will certainly be missed on the court Saturday afternoon, but he’s confident that his team has what it takes to get the series going and even win it all. If the fourth seed Mavs win the series over the fifth seed Jazz, they’ll take on the winner of the Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans in the Conference Semifinals.