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Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic and head coach Rick Carlisle are optimistic about the star's potential return from a sprained ankle for Thursday's home game against the San Antonio Spurs.

"He seems to be doing better every day," Carlisle told reporters. "I don't know what his status will be for Thursday, but he'll certainly be upgraded. He's doing well. We'll see how he feels tomorrow, and then Thursday we'll see what's what, but things are looking better and better."

Doncic went down in a Dec. 14 game against the Miami Heat when he stepped on Kendrick Nunn's foot. He was a full participant in practice for the first time Tuesday. A return against San Antonio would put him slightly ahead of the rough two-week time frame he was given at the time of the injury.

"I'm feeling good," Doncic said. "Just taking care of it. A lot of things that we have to do, and we're just taking care of it. We'll see how it progresses, and we'll see if I play."

In his second NBA season, Doncic has played like an MVP candidate. He's averaging 29.3 points, 9.6 rebounds and 8.9 assists per game, putting himself on pace for perhaps the greatest age-20 season in league history.

The ankle injury has been the only thing able to stop the ascendent star. The Mavericks managed to stay afloat during his absence, going 2-2 with wins over the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers.