'Find A Way To Win' - Without Luka Doncic: Mavs vs. Jazz Game 1 GAMEDAY

The Dallas Mavericks host the Utah Jazz in a highly-anticipated Game 1 in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

Author:
Bri Amaranthus
Publish date:
Apr 16, 2022 1:21 AM EDT

DALLAS - The Dallas Mavericks host the Utah Jazz in a highly-anticipated Game 1 in the first round of the NBA today at 12 p.m. CT in front of what figures to be a raucous American Airlines Center crowd. The Mavs haven’t experienced home-court advantage since 2011.

Unfortunately for Dallas, superstar Luka Doncic suffered a left calf strain in the regular-season finale on Sunday. As a result, the Mavericks will be without Doncic for Game 1.

At practice in Dallas on Thursday, coach Jason Kidd said Doncic is improving. The door has not been closed for Doncic to play in Game 2.

“With him, it doesn’t guarantee us anything," Kidd said. "But we’ve also played without him and found ways to win. So if he can’t go Saturday afternoon, we got to be ready. We’re working all week to get ready. So we’ll see.”

Any games that Doncic misses could have a profound impact on the series as Doncic (33.5) holds a slight lead over NBA legend Michael Jordan (33.4) when it comes to the highest points per game in a playoff career. However, the Mavs’ backcourt has considerable depth with Jalen Brunson and Spencer Dinwiddie both ready to step up if needed.

Jazz, Gobert, Mitchell — Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images

Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert.

Spencer Dinwiddie, Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic — Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Spencer Dinwiddie and Luka Doncic.

USATSI_18060347 — Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Luka Doncic giving his teammates some love.

The Mavs will have their hands full with star guard Donovan Mitchell and defensive player of the year candidate Rudy Gobert. Utah boasts the league's most efficient offense and a top-10 defense. Utah struggled down the final stretch of the season, going 5-7 over its last 12 games. Will Mitchell and Gobert mesh well, now, when it counts?

FLASHBACK: The Jazz and Mavs split their four matchups in the regular season with both teams protecting their home court.

HOME SWEET HOME: Dallas is 20-4 in their last 24 games at American Airlines Center. Over its last 24 home games, the Mavs is holding its opponents to just 99.7 points per game.

RECORDS: DALLAS MAVERICKS (52-30) VS. UTAH JAZZ (49-33)

WHEN: Saturday, April 16, 2022, 12 PM CT

LOCATION: American Airlines Center (Dallas, TX)

TV/RADIO: ESPN, 97.1 The Eagle (KEGL)

DALLAS INJURY REPORT: Luka Doncic (left calf strain) is OUT, Tim Hardaway Jr. (left foot surgery) is OUT, Frank Ntilikina (illness recovery) is OUT.