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February 3 update: Porzingis has been ruled out for Friday’s game against the 76ers with the knee issue. The big man has not been ruled out for a long-term injury, so the Mavericks clearly believe this is not a major problem. With Porzingis out, look for Joel Embiid to continue his monster stretch Friday against Dallas.
February 1 update: The Mavericks have ruled Porzingis out for Wednesday’s game against the Thunder with a knee injury. The big man suffered the injury Saturday against the Pacers and did not return to the game. It’ll be his third straight absence with the injury. Look for Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell to handle Porzingis’ minutes in the middle.
The Dallas Mavericks have ruled Kristaps Porzingis out for the rest of Saturday’s game against the Indiana Pacers with a knee injury. The Mavericks will rely on Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber in Porzingis’ absence.
Kristaps Porzingis is out the rest of the game due to right knee soreness, per Mavs.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) January 30, 2022
Porzingis has dealt with knee issues earlier this season, so the Mavericks are taking no chances with the promising big man. Dallas has started to make some noise in the West playoff picture and is becoming more consistent, so Porzingis’ health will be paramount for the team’s success. The pairing of Porzingis and Luka Doncic hasn’t clicked as well as expected, but that’s still Dallas’ best path to contention. Porzingis left Saturday’s game with five points and one rebound in 11 minutes.
The Mavericks lead the Pacers 72-60 at halftime. Doncic leads the team with 22 points. Dallas will have to find a way to deal with Domantas Sabonis to maintain this advantage in the second half with Porzingis out.