The Dallas Mavericks are not having an enjoyable Christmas Day. The team is a game under .500, and the league-wide COVID outbreak has ravaged the rotation of Jason Kidd. Worst of all, Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic was ruled out of their game against the Utah Jazz on Christmas Day due to health and safety protocols.

Despite that, the Mavs get some good injury-related news regarding the status of their other European star, Kristaps Porzingis.

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Porzingis was criticized heavily last season for his atrocious play in the post-season, leading to another first-round Mavs exit. This season, the Latvian has been on a bit of a rocky start. While his per-game averages haven't changed much, his shooting percentages have taken a noticeable dip, especially his three-point shooting (.283 for the season, compared to .376 last season).

Despite Kristaps Porzingis' struggles with his play, the Mavs will welcome him back from his injury with open arms. As stated earlier, they will be without Luka Doncic on Christmas Day, so every bit of help is necessary. The Mavs have looked lost at times without Doncic on the floor, and having Porzingis on the team is better than having nothing.

The Mavs need this win badly. At 15 – 16, they sit at seventh place, which is below everyone's expectations. Jason Kidd's hiring seems to have not worked out at all for the Mavs, as the team has struggled mightily on offense despite Luka's presence. There's still a long ways till the end of the season, though. Beating a top contender in the Jazz (who are raring to go) on Christmas Day might be the boost this team needs to get back on track.