By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Kristaps Porzingis is no longer listed on the Dallas Mavericks injury report. He missed the previous seven games of the 2021-22 NBA Regular Season after entering the league’s health and safety protocols.
Porzingis, 26, has not practiced the last two weeks since being forced to the sidelines. Consequently, he is unlikely to actually play tonight as the Mavs wrap up a back-to-back hosting the Orlando Magic (16/1, 03:30 CET) following the convincing win versus the Memphis Grizzlies on the road Friday.
The meeting with the Magic opens a five-game homestand stretching through next week. Coming up next, the Oklahoma City Thunder Monday, Toronto Raptors Wednesday, Phoenix Suns Thursday, and Grizzlies Sunday. Barring another setback, Porzingis will be in action reclaiming his starting role at some point during the five-game series at American Airlines Center.
The Latvian big man last played on New Year’s Eve packing 24 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and two blocks in the away win against the Sacramento Kings. During his absence, the Mavericks led by Slovenian sensation Luka Doncic won six out of seven jumping to 23-19 and fifth place in the Western Conference standings.
Porzingis has appeared in 26 games so far in the Regular Season. He has averaged 20.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 0.8 steals per contest.
In additional good news, head coach Jason Kidd also exited the COVID-19 protocols Saturday.
Willie Cauley-Stein (personal reasons) is the only player listed out ahead of the game opposite the Magic.
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