Update: This story has been updated.
The Dallas Mavericks will officially open their postseason without their superstar guard.
Coach Jason Kidd confirmed on Saturday morning that Luka Doncic (left calf) will not play in Game 1 against Utah Jazz at the American Airlines Center. Kidd said Doncic was “everyday, so we’ll move on.”
There are concerns about the availability of the 23-year-old All-Star for game 2 on Monday.
Doncic was initially identified as “suspicious” of Saturday’s match, which means he will most likely not play. However, the appointment did not stop the Mavericks from activating it.
Mavericks remained hopeful of Doncic’s progress this week, but injury experts spoke with Dallas Morning News on Monday, small strains of grade 1 calves said it takes about seven to 10 days to recover, while larger strains of grade 2 strains take weeks.
The team did not reveal the severity of Doncic’s injuries after his MRI on Monday.
While Doncic participates in film sessions and attends treatment and exercise, he did not train during any of Mavericks’ three full sessions this week.
At the end of training on Tuesday and Wednesday, he rode an ergometer while his teammates finished shooting practice, and on Thursday he worked on a treadmill just before reporters were allowed into the facility.
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