Luka Doncic return from injury: Insider sheds light on Mavericks star's potential comeback timeline

After going down with a calf strain on Christmas Day, Luka Doncic could be ready to return to action before the NBA's All-Star break. With the team fighting for a guaranteed playoff spot in a competitive Western Conference, the return of the five-time All-NBA First Team member will give Dallas some much-needed firepower.

The day after Doncic sustained the injury in Dallas's 99-105 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Christmas Day, it was reported that the Mavericks star would be reevaluated in about a month.

Exactly one month after the injury, Jake Fischer, aka The People's Insider, reported that Dallas Mavericks are optimistic that Doncic could return before the All-Star break.

Since losing Doncic on Christmas Day, the team has gone 5-10 in his absence. They are seventh in the Western Conference, 1.5 games behind the sixth-place LA Clippers and just half a game ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings.

With the Western Conference playoff picture shaping up to be a tight race, Luka Doncic's return could potentially be the push the Mavs need to move into a top-six spot, guaranteeing them a spot in the playoffs when the time comes.

Loss of Dereck Lively II looms despite Luka Doncic's return as Dallas looks to return to the NBA Finals

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) reacts after suffering a possible leg injury during an NBA game. (Credits: IMAGN)

While the potential return of Luka Doncic before the NBA's All-Star break will give Dallas some added firepower, the team was dealt a significant blow in the loss of Dereck Lively II.

The big man played just four minutes in the Mavs's Jan. 14 showdown with the Nuggets before exiting the game. Since then, he has remained on the sidelines. However, earlier this week, it was reported that due to a stress fracture, Lively will be sidelined for an additional month.

While Daniel Gafford has stepped up his level of play, putting on a remarkable 31-point, 15-rebound, 7-block outing against the Hornets on Monday, the absence of Lively over the next month can't be understated.

Despite that, the team is choosing to focus on the positive. While speaking with media members on Friday after a big win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Spencer Dinwiddie put into perspective just how massive Luka Doncic's return will be.

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

Considering how tight the Western Conference Playoff race is, the Mavericks' hopes of another deep postseason run almost certainly hinge on the health of their longtime star.