Dallas Mavericks: Kristaps Porzingis (knee) missed game vs. Thunder

Dallas Mavericks star Kristaps Porzingis was a late scratch against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Dec. 31 with knee soreness. Get the latest updates here.

The Dallas Mavericks dropped their New Year’s Eve game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Luka Doncic scored 35 points, but it was not enough as the Thunder held their home turf in the 106-101 win.

The Mavs played without two starters in their final road game of 2019. Kristaps Porzingis was scratched minutes before tipoff with knee soreness. Tim Hardaway Jr. was also held out with a hamstring injury.

Here is all the latest on KP’s injury and status going forward.

Status uncertain

Kristaps Porzingis was originally listed in the Mavericks starting lineup. His absence broke just before tipoff. Here is what both he and Coach Carlisle had to say after the game.

Terming it “knee soreness” is a bit worrisome. That could mean a lot of different things and makes figuring out a timetable impossible. The positive news is it is not the knee in which he tore the ACL and missed 20 months. Other than that, there is not a ton to report. Fans will have to wait and see how it develops.

What it means going forward

If Porzingis needs to miss more time, expect Coach Carlisle to continue starting Maxi Kleber. It also means additional minutes for Dwight Powell and Boban Marjanovic. The Mavs are a bit thin in the frontcourt, so they may need to make a move if KP is going to miss extended time.

His next chance to play is on Thursday against the Brooklyn Nets. That is the first in a six-game homestand for the Mavericks. Hopefully, he is ready to take on the Nets.

The Smoking Cuban will have all the latest on Kristaps Porzingis’ injury plus analysis on the Dallas Mavericks that fans need to read, so please return to the site regularly.