Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic could make series debut in Game 4 vs. Utah Jazz, sources say

There is increasing optimism that Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic will make his return to the lineup for Game 4 against the Utah Jazz on Saturday, sources told ESPN.

Once Doncic completes warm-ups without any setbacks on a left calf strain that has sidelined him since April 10, the plan will be for him to play limited minutes in his series debut, sources said. The Mavericks lead the series 2-1.

Doncic has been doing full-speed basketball activity since Tuesday, played 5-on-5 on Thursday and Friday, and said he is not experiencing any pain or discomfort in his calf.

The Mavericks have stuck to their plan of being patient with Doncic's recovery because they do not want to risk him aggravating the injury and potentially being sidelined for the remainder of the playoffs.

Information from ESPN's Tim MacMahon was used in this report.