Dallas Mavericks big man Kristaps Porzingis is hoping to make his return to action.
According to Mike Peasley of ESPN, Porzingis is aiming to return for Tuesday's headline matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Kristaps Porzingis went through a full practice today and says the knee feels good and is hoping to be able to play Tuesday vs the Clippers
— Mike Peasley (@PeasRadio) January 19, 2020
Porzingis has not played since Dec. 29 as he battles knee soreness. Given his history of knee injuries (including a torn ACL suffered in 2018), the Mavericks have exhibited caution with respect to the 24-year-old's playing status.
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban recently stated Porzingis' knee troubles are more the result of “irritation” than anything else (via Stefan Stevenson of the Forth Worth Star-Telegram):
“It’s just something that happens. It’s just irritation. We’re pushing the workouts. And that’s why you push the workouts to see if he gets irritation,” Cuban said before the Mavs’ Friday night win against the Portland Trail Blazers. “He’s all good.”
Dallas acquired Porzingis last February to pair with Luka Doncic. But the results have been somewhat mixed. Porzingis is averaging 17.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks through his first 31 games. But he is also shooting just over 40 percent from the field.
However, Porzingis' absence has allowed the Mavericks to give more minutes to the likes of Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber, both of whom are excelling alongside Doncic.
Powell is incredibly efficient at the rim, and his versatility makes him a capable playmaker in pick-and-roll scenarios. Kleber, meanwhile, offers tremendous floor spacing, as he is shooting over 40 percent from beyond the arc on 4.2 attempts per game.
Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle will have to grapple with how to best use his trio of big men once Porzingis returns, though depth is certainly a good problem for any team.
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