Sources: Pessimism is significant in the return of Dallas Mavericks star Luka Docic for Game 3 against Utah Jazz

SALT LAKE CITY — Despite significant progress in rehabilitation of a left-calf strain, there is still considerable pessimism around the possibility of Dallas MavericksStar Luka DoncicSources tell ESPN that they will be playing Game 3 against Utah tonight.

Doncic was unable to play in Games 1 and 2, due to a calf injury. However, he has been increasing his practice floor work over the past few days.

Jason Kidd, Mavs coach, said that Doncic would go through his pregame warmup.

Doncic stayed in Vivint Arena, where he was able to continue his workout after his teammates had left for the day. He was accompanied by Casey Smith (Mavs player performance and health director). It included shooting, ballhandling, and running.

Doncic stated to ESPN that he felt great as he was leaving the arena.

The Western Conference series in the first round is tied as it moves to Salt Lake City.

According to InStreetClothes.com information, the average NBA player absent due to calf strains was 16 days. Mavs reserve guard Frank NtilikinaIn 12 days, Doncic was able to return from a calf strain. Game 3 will take place 11 days after Doncic was hurt.

“He’s a player who has so many things ahead of him in the future, so his being smart about it” said a Mavs guard Jalen BrunsonThe Game 2 win was a result of 41 career-high points by, It just shows his trust in us. He trusts us. He’s making the best decisions for himself. We respect this as teammates.”

Doncic, who sustained the injury in the April 10 regular season finale, has been slowly increasing his basketball activities. He also made explosive use of his left leg during Tuesday’s individual workout. Doncic was present at Wednesday’s practice and showed no signs of slowing down, which encouraged cautious optimism about his possible return.

Doncic stated Wednesday that if there is risk, he doesn’t believe he’ll play. “But, like I said, yesterday and today were good. If there’s no risk, I don’t want to limit my time because I’ll be nervous. I want to be out there as much time as possible. But, like I said, I will assess how I feel and talk to the medical staff.

“I don’t know what I’m going 100 percent. It’s hard right now. If I’m prepared and there’s no risk, it’s not a problem. [aggravating the]Injury, I’ll Be There.”