Dallas Mavericks big man Kristaps Porzingis is once again doubtful to play versus both the Brooklyn Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers in the next two days. Porzingis is sidelined due to right knee soreness which he may have suffered versus the Detroit Pistons last Thursday.
Carlisle says Porzingis "is doubtful for tomorrow, just my opinion, just what I've gathered in the last 24 hours . . . I expect him to play regular-season games at some point. I just don't know when that will be."
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) May 6, 2021
This is a huge blow for the Mavs given how many times Porzingis has been sidelined this season. Over the past two seasons, Porzingis has been in and out of the lineup due to multiple injuries. He has the reputation of not being the most durable player as his constant nagging injuries have worried a lot of people.
Porzingis is averaging 20.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. He was a big reason why the Mavs were able to push the L.A. Clippers last year to six games. Sadly, he didn’t get to finish the series because of his injured knee. It also doesn’t help that this season’s schedule has been condensed, which isn’t really ideal for players coming off a major injury.
Thankfully for the Mavs, they have managed to stay afloat in the competitive Western Conference standings without their big man. They’re a good chance that they end up in the fifth or sixth seed depending on how both the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Lakers perform as well.
However, Porzingis will be needed by the Mavs especially come playoff time. Head coach Rick Carlisle mentioned that he expects the big man to play at least a few games before the regular season ends.
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