Dallas Mavericks: How things could change if Kristaps Porzingis is out

Dallas Mavericks: How things could change for Dallas if Kristaps Porzingis sits

The Dallas Mavericks are fresh off an unforgettable playoff win. It was the type they make a movie about. Luka Doncic sprained his ankle in game three. He was questionable until minutes before tipoff. Fans got word Doncic is in only to find out Kristaps Porzingis cannot play with a knee injury. Luka proceeds to go out and produce a video game stat line before drilling the game-winning buzzer-beater to even the series.

The Mavs and LA Clippers are back at it on Friday evening for game five. It is a pivotal contest. The Walt Disney World bubble eliminates home-court advantage. The loser in game five will have to win two straight to advance. That will be no easy task in Orlando.

Things could be a bit different in game five. Kristaps Porzingis was a last-minute scratch in game four. He had been on the injury report frequently. KP missed two seeding games but looked fantastic in the postseason. His absence came as a surprise. The Mavs also did not have time to game plan for that scenario. Could it lead to changes?

How the Dallas Mavericks might change things up if Kristaps Porzingis misses Game 5

It is important to note that KP has not been ruled out. Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle noted his status was “uncertain” and it could be “game-time decision, similar to what Luka’s was (in game four)”. The Mavs are going to give him every opportunity to play. Porzingis will likely warm up on the court before the final determination is made.

Here are five ways the Dallas Mavericks might change it up if Kristaps Porzingis sits out in game five.

Next: No. 5