Doncic misses Game 3 vs. Jazz, reportedly targeting Game 4 return

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic sat out Game 3 against the Utah Jazz on Thursday.

However, the Mavs are planning for the 23-year-old to return for Game 4 on Saturday, sources told NBA insider Marc Stein.

Doncic had already missed the first two games of the series due to a calf strain he suffered in the final contest of the regular season. Dallas still managed to split the two games thanks in large part to Jalen Brunson's heroic 41-point effort in a Game 2 win.

The Slovenian stated Wednesday that he was "feeling good" as he recovers but that he wouldn't jeopardize re-aggravating the injury by playing. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier Thursday that there was significant pessimism surrounding Doncic's availability for Game 3.

The Mavericks went 8-9 without Doncic in the lineup during the regular season.