The Dallas Mavericks will be without forward Kristaps Porzingis for a 10th straight game on Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers, according to Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News.
Porzingis had a platelet-rich plasma injection last week to treat his sore right knee, a type of treatment they've been known to use for these type of injuries in the past. The 7-foot-3 star was reportedly ready to take on the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, but head coach Rick Carlisle gave the word he would not play hours before tip-off.
The Mavs have navigated his absence well with a record of 5-4, though winning their last three games. Porzingis is averaging 17.3 points and 9.4 rebounds this season but has missed 11 of the team's 42 games in 2019-20.
Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell will continue to get extended minutes in his absence, with frontcourt partner Luka Doncic running the show, as he has for the bulk of his breakthrough campaign.
Dallas will be extremely careful bringing back Porzingis, even if the injury is minor. The Mavericks have eyes on the playoffs and hope Porzingis will fully heal from his soreness before he is plugged back into the starting lineup.
The Mavs committed to Porzingis with a five-year, $158 million extension, so they’re taking the long view with his health. Dallas will play a West-heavy schedule the rest of January, facing the Blazers twice in one week and playing four of their next seven games on the road before hosting the Atlanta Hawks on Feb. 1.
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