It's still unclear when or even if Luka Doncic will return to the Dallas Mavericks in this first-round series against the Utah Jazz thanks to his calf injury. Doncic suffered the injury in the regular-season finale and missed the first two games against the Jazz. The Mavs are apparently still hoping their superstar will be back at some point in this series, “but it would be premature to predict when he will be ready to return,” according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon.

This isn't going to make Mavs fans feel any better. While Jason Kidd recently said Doncic was trending in the right direction, he was mostly vague and it would be a total disaster if he wasn't progressing at all.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*

Article Continues Below
More Dallas Mavericks News
The Dallas Mavericks team bench reacts to a Denver Nuggets score during the second half at the American Airlines Center.
Mavericks will look to fight off Euro power for key free agentRichard Pereira ·
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) controls the ball as Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) defends during the third quarter at American Airlines Center.
NBA rumors: ESPN suggests Suns-Mavericks trade swapping Cooper Flagg pick, Devin BookerPreston Byers ·
Cooper Flagg talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Lakers set first Cooper Flagg, Mavericks matchup in Las VegasMalik Brown ·
Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) and Houston Cougars forward Joseph Tugler (11) battle for the ball in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.
NBA rumors: ESPN suggests Spurs-Mavericks trade to pair Cooper Flagg, WembyPreston Byers ·
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) controls the ball as Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) defends during the first half at American Airlines Center
Kyrie Irving responds to Mavericks fan who climbed Mount Everest in his jerseyJulian Ojeda ·
Mavericks Nico Harrison on left. Mavericks PJ Washington shooting a basketball on right. Place a stop sign in the middle.
Why Mavericks’ potential PJ Washington trade would be disasterJoey Mistretta ·

The good news is Dallas was able to get a much-needed split by winning Game 2. The Mavs were on the ropes in the fourth quarter, but Jalen Brunson, Maxi Kleber and company came up with a number of big plays down the stretch to earn a 110-104 win and a 1-1 series tie.

Brunson was brilliant all night filling in for Doncic again as the primary playmaker. The Villanova product poured in 41 points and handed out five assists while not turning the ball over once. That stat line made franchise history.

With Brunson doing a terrific job holding down the fort, the Mavs have to feel a bit better about their chances without Doncic. But, obviously, it would be better if he returns, so Dallas is just crossing fingers that it will be soon.