Dallas Mavericks: Dwight Powell (hamstring) out against Blazers

Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell will miss his third straight game to open the season on Oct. 27. Here is a look at who will step up against Portland.

The Dallas Mavericks started the year off right. They won their first games. Going to New Orleans and defeating a tough Pelicans squad after giving up 41 points in the first quarter was impressive.

The start of the season is even more impressive when considering Dwight Powell has not played yet. The expected starting center injured his hamstring during practice in early October. He missed all five preseason games before the two to start the year.

Powell has already been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers as well. The center will be brought back slowly after missing extended time with a leg injury. He has made some progress and can be seen shooting before games. Powell has yet to practice, though.

His next chance to play would be on Tuesday in Denver against the Nuggets. Consider Powell doubtful for that contest as of this writing.

Who steps up against Blazers?

The Blazers are going to start big in the frontcourt and play small in the second unit. They open the game with Hassan Whiteside and Zach Collins at the four and the five. Then, Coach Stotts staggers playing Anthony Tolliver, Skal Labissiere, and Mario Hezonja as their big men with Collins sliding down to the five for stretches.

Expect the Mavericks to start Kristaps Porzingis and Maxi Kleber in the frontcourt. The two teams will go small together with Dallas playing Justin Jackson and Dorian Finney-Smith off the bench. The Mavs need solid performances from Kleber and Finney-Smith to defeat the Blazers on Oct. 27.

Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis will handle the bulk of the scoring. They need Kleber and Finney-Smith helping shut down Portland’s high powered offense.

Return to The Smoking Cuban after the game for news, analysis, and opinions on the Dallas Mavericks that fans will not want to miss.