After a tough game 1 versus the Jazz, the Mavs look to avoid any mistakes in game 2. Luka Doncic, who suffered a calf strain before the playoffs, was ruled out for game 1 of the first round. The Mavs finished the regular season as 4th seed in the West. The first two games, as a result, will be played in Dallas.

Home court advantage is not to be taken lightly in the playoffs. The Jazz already stole one away game in this series. With Luka being away, the roster managed to give the Jazz a tough fight, but couldn’t hold them back.

Luka Doncic injury updates for game 2

Doncic is unlikely to return for game 2 as per reliable sources. Luka has been working out, not adding too much load during the time. This is a tough situation for the Mavs as they are down 0-1 in the series. Jalen Brunson and Spencer Dinwiddie contributed the most in game 1, scoring 24 and 22 points, respectively.

Bullock and Finney-Smith did their best, putting up 29 points combined. Even if Doncic returns, he may not be at his 100 percent. And if he ever comes back, he will most probably come off the bench. Mavs cannot give away the next game as games 3 and 4 will be in Utah.

In game 1, Mitchell and Bogdanovic went off. Donovan had 32, while Bogdanovic scored 26. Though their rim protector had a rough night, Gobert only had 5 points, shooting 0-1 from the field. But he managed to grab 17 rebounds in 35 minutes. The team was playing solid, dominating from mid-range and going all-in on rebounds.

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Predictions for Mavs versus Jazz, Game 2

The starting lineup will be the same for Dallas: Jalen Brunson, Spencer Dinwiddie, Reggie Bullock, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Dwight Powell.

READ MORE: Luka Doncic on LeBron James Drafting Him for the NBA All-Star Game

For the Jazz, they’ll start Donovan Mitchell, Bojan Bogdanovic, Mike Conley, Rudy Gobert, and Royce O’Neale. It will be the same matchup, and the Mavs will have to play their best defense. Game 1 was close enough, as the Jazz couldn’t close out with a double-digit lead, the final score being 93-99. If Dallas plays better defense on the perimeter, they might edge out. Or else, Utah might take game 2 as well.

WATCH THIS STORY: Luka Doncic, Who Was Trash Talked by Kobe Bryant in Slovenian, Reveals the Invaluable Advice the Lakers Legend Gave Him

This game will be pivotal for the Mavs, considering the next games being held in Salt Lake City.