Fresh off a scintillating 112-85 win in Nashville over Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies, the Dallas Mavericks are definitely feeling good. And the Mavs must feel even a lot better following the update that big man Kristaps Porzingis has finally cleared the NBA's health and safety protocols.
Via Tim McMahon of ESPN:
Mavs PF/C Kristaps Porzingis has cleared the NBA’s health and safety protocols after missing the last seven games.
During that seven-game stretch that Porzingis missed, the Mavs put together a fantastic 6-1 record, which includes wins against playoff contenders Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, and the Grizzlies. The only Mavs loss in that span came at the hands of Porzingis' former team, the New York Knicks, at Madison Square Garden last Wednesday.
The Mavericks are scheduled to play the Orlando Magic Saturday night at home, though, Porzingis' status for that contest isn't 100% clear, per Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News.
There's hope within the Mavericks organization that Kristaps Porzingis can clear health and safety protocols as soon as tomorrow, but it's extremely unrealistic to think he could play against Orlando tomorrow, and or probably even Monday against OKC. Hasn't practiced in 2 weeks.
In any case, the Mavs will have Luka Doncic to lead the Mavs against Orlando. Another absence from Porzingis would mean more playing time again for the likes of Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell.