Doncic out for Game 3 Vs Jazz

“We’ll see how he feels when it comes game time,” Mavs coach Jason Kidd said after the shooting practice, adding that he expected Doncic to go through his normal warm-up routine before the game.

Doncic stayed at Vivint Arena after most of his teammates left Thursday morning for an extensive on-court workout under the direction of Mavs director of performance and health Casey Smith. The workout included running, ball handling and shooting.

The Western Conference first round series is tied (1-1) and moves to Salt Lake City.

The average absence due to calf sprains for NBA players this season has been 16 days, according to information compiled by InStreetClothes.com. Mavs reserve point guard Frank Ntilikina returned from a 12-day calf strain earlier this season. The third game will be 11 days after Doncic was injured.

“He’s a player who has a lot ahead of him in his future, so it’s key that he’s smart about it,” said Mavs guard Jalen Brunson, whose career-high 41 points were key in the Game 2 win. “I think it also shows the confidence he has in us. He trusts us. He’s just making the best decision for him and as teammates, we respect that.”

Doncic, who suffered the injury in the regular-season finale on April 10, has been gradually increasing basketball activities and performed explosive movements with his left leg for the first time during the recovery process in an individual workout Tuesday. He participated fully in Wednesday’s workout, fueling cautious optimism that his return was on the horizon.

“If there’s going to be risk, I don’t think I’m going to play,” Doncic said Wednesday. “But like I say, yesterday and today we did some good things. If there’s no risk, I don’t want to play limited minutes because I’ll be nervous. I want to be around as long as possible, but like I say, I’m going to see how I feel and we’re going to talk to the medical staff.”

“I don’t know if I’m going to be 100 percent. I think it’s difficult at this point. But if I’m ready and there’s no risk of [aggravating the] injury, I’ll be there.”