Doncic does light workouts; listed as doubtful for Game 2

For the first time since he strained his left calf during the regular season finale against the San Antonio Spurs on April 10, Luka Doncic did a light workout Sunday in front of the assembled media.

However, the Dallas Mavericks haven’t made a decision on whether their superstar point guard will play in Game 2 of their best-of-seven first-round playoff series against the Utah Jazz, which tips off Monday at 7:30 at American Airlines Center. As of now, Doncic is listed as doubtful for Game 2 as the Mavs try to bunce back and even the series at 1-1.

“As a team we did some cleanups (Sunday), and he did that, and some shooting, so he did that,” coach Jason Kidd said of Doncic. “So that’s the latest update.

“Yesterday was another good day and today he was back on the court. So that’s a plus and we’ll see how he feels tomorrow.”

Kidd stopped short of saying if Doncic did anything explosive to test his ailing calf.

“What’s explosive?” Kidd asked. “He’s ridden the bike. He’s been on the treadmill, so I think that’s explosive. But he’s 23, so everything he does is explosive.

“I know he’s been shooting. He did a workout yesterday and we’ll see again how he feels today after this workout. I don’t know what speed he’s gone at, because his speed is different. He did well yesterday and he was able to do basketball stuff today.”

Doncic sat out the series opener Saturday, and the Jazz took advantage of his absence and won, 99-93, at AAC. Kidd said he personally won’t be engaging in any eye tests to gauge whether the Mavs’ leading scorer, rebounder and assist maker will be able to make an appearance in Game 2.

“I’m not on that counsel,” Kidd said. “That’s between Luka and the medical staff to make that decision.

“We’ll see what tomorrow brings. Whether he can play, that’s great. But if he can’t go, we’ll be prepared to go without him.”

Forward Reggie Bullock said despite not being able to play in the series opener, Doncic was all fired up on the sidelines and offering encouraging words for his teammates.

“He was doing everything that he needed to do on the sidelines,” Bullock said. “(He was) cheering for guys, going to go talk to refs about certain calls about everything. Typical Luka.

“But he was doing a great job as the captain of this team to be able to show his fight even though he’s sidelined for us. We definitely miss him in uniform with us out there fighting with the guys too. He’s definitely bought in and shows a lot of respect for his teammates and shows that he’s bought in.”

The Mavs were 8-9 in the regular season during games Doncic missed this season, so they know they can win without him. But doing that in the playoffs, they know, comes with a much larger degree of difficulties.

“It’s a tough assignment,” Bullock said. “Obviously he’s the head of the snake of this team, he brings so much on the offensive end for us, and his character and how he carries himself as a player.

“But like I said, it’s the next man up. We’ve won without him before, we know that we can win without him. It’s just about everybody just being able to step up and take away the little careless plays that we made last night, and I feel like we would have walked away with a W.”

From a mental standpoint, Kidd said all systems are go from Doncic’s perspective, although he’s chomping at the bit to get on the court and help his teammates.

“He’s in a great place,” Kidd said. “He’s been involved, he’s talking in the meetings. Again, I’ve that said since day one that he’s in a good spot.

“A lot of times when you’re hurt you can be grumpy or frustrated, but he’s not. We just hope that he continues to be able to do more as each day goes by.”

Although Doncic may not be outwardly showing any frustrations of not being able to play, Bullock is aware that being sidelined during the greatest time of the season is not sitting well with the three-time All-Star.

“I’m sure that it’s bothering him,” Bullock said. “But I’m sure that if he was able to be out there, he would be out there.

“He’s a talented player, he’s the captain of the team and if he can fight with us he’ll fight with us.”

Kidd said there’s no real balancing act between determining if Doncic can play Monday against protecting his long-term health.

“It’s not really a balancing act,” Kidd said. “He can play or he can’t play. If he can’t play, then we have to go forward. We showed that already in Game 1. If it happens in Game 2, then that’s the way we have to go. That’s just the way sports can be sometimes. Injuries come at the wrong time.

“Luka’s injury came at the wrong time, but we can’t cry over spilled milk. We’re all professionals and we understand what the situation is. But if he can go, it doesn’t automatically mean we’re going to win games. But we feel better if he can get on the floor, and hopefully he can get on the floor soon.”

Twitter: @DwainPrice