Luka Doncic Injury Update: Insider reports major development regarding 5x All-Star's return

The Dallas Mavericks could be whole soon as Luka Doncic nears his return. The five-time NBA All-Star has been out since the Mavericks' Christmas Day showdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Doncic exited that game with a left calf strain and was ruled out for a month. Doncic was initially feared to miss enough time that would have presumably seen him return after the All-Star break.

However, the latest report by TNT's Jared Greenberg during Tuesday's game against the Denver Nuggets suggests that Doncic could return before the All-Star break.

The major development comes at a crucial time for the Mavericks, who have struggled in Doncic's absence since Christmas. They were 19-11 after losing to the Timberwolves on Dec. 25, Doncic's last game, and are 22-18 now, going 3-7.

The Mavericks have a legitimate shot at another top-four finish when fully healthy, but injuries to Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and other key role players at various junctures have held the team back from being top three in the West nearing the halfway mark of the season.

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Mavericks fans react to latest Luka Doncic injury update

The Mavericks boast a deep roster, but Luka Doncic remains crucial to their results, especially in the stacked Western Conference. Missing him for a game or two is something they can tackle, but a prolonged absence has hurt the team. Amid his latest injury update, the Mavericks fans have had mixed reactions.

Some feel he should rest long and return after the All-Star break, while others are excited about this positive update amid the team's slump.

"Why risk it when you can let him rest through the all star weekend and have him back fresh for after," one fan wrote.

"We gon be a lottery team by the time he’s back," another said.

"I don’t see Luka coming back until after the break," one X user wrote.

"Mavs can't rush him back plain and simple," one fan said.

It's important to note the Dallas Mavericks were also without Kyrie Irving for five games because of a back injury since Jan. 1. He returned Tuesday against Denver. Once he's back in rhythm, the Mavericks might find ways to stay afloat amid this slump and welcome back Doncic when he's 100% healthy instead of rushing him back.