Report: Doncic could return from calf injury in Game 3 or 4

There's optimism that Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic will return for Game 3 on Thursday or Game 4 on Saturday against the Utah Jazz, sources tell The Athletic's Shams Charania.

Doncic missed the Mavericks' first two playoff games with a strained calf. A shorthanded Dallas squad earned a 110-104 victory over Utah in Game 2 to even the series at one game apiece. Jalen Brunson played a crucial role in the win, dropping 41 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and zero turnovers in 42:29 of game action.

Doncic strained his calf during Dallas' regular-season finale against the San Antonio Spurs on April 10. His return should significantly bolster the Mavs' chances of advancing past the Jazz, as Doncic has been a dynamic playoff performer in his young career. The 23-year-old owns averages of 33.5 points, 9.5 assists, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 13 career postseason appearances.

Salt Lake City will host Game 3 and Game 4 before the series shifts back to Dallas for Game 5.