Mavericks star guard re-evaluated for left calf strain

The Dallas Mavericks won’t have Luka Doncic for their first NBA Finals rematch against the Boston Celtics, but could he be available for the second and final meeting on Feb. 6?

It may be a possibility.

Doncic, who has missed the last 15 games with a left calf strain, was re-evaluated Saturday afternoon, according to a person familiar with his injury. The superstar guard’s latest MRI was conducted exactly one month from when he suffered the injury on Christmas Day.

Several reports have indicated that Doncic desires to return to the lineup before next month’s All-Star break [Feb. 14-16].

Doncic suffered a left calf strain in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Christmas Day and required crutches upon leaving the arena. He has since progressed from needing a scooter to get around American Airlines Center to walking on his own power since Jan. 7, when the Mavericks hosted the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Mavericks started the season 6-2 without Doncic and entered Christmas Day with the fourth-best record in the Western Conference. However, Doncic’s absence has led to a 5-10 record since his calf strain and the Mavericks own the seventh seed in the West.

The 11-12 overall record without Doncic may show promise, but the Mavericks need their franchise centerpiece in order to climb back up the Western Conference’s standings.

The Mavericks will host the Washington Wizards on Monday, just before a five-game roadtrip that includes stops in New Orleans, Detroit, Cleveland, Philadelphia and Boston — which falls Feb. 6, the NBA’s trade deadline. Spencer Dinwiddie hinted at Doncic’s impending return after Friday’s win at Oklahoma City.

“We’re going to have basically the best trade-deadline acquisition anybody could have: Bring the MVP back,” Dinwiddie said.

The good news is Doncic’s recovery appears to indicate that he’s making good progress toward a return to the court.

X/Twitter: @MikeACurtis2