Mavericks: Josh Richardson, Dorian Finney-Smith and Jalen Brunson out

Dallas Mavericks: Josh Richardson, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Jalen Brunson out

The Dallas Mavericks are riding a two-game winning streak as they come back home to face the Orlando Magic on Saturday evening. They were finally starting to hit their stride, but bad news arrived on Jan. 8.

Josh Richardson, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Jalen Brunson are out because of the league’s health and safety protocols. According to Shams Charania, all three players stayed behind after one tested positive and the other two were in close contact. Each player is facing a minimum of one week on the sidelines.

The Mavericks will be without three key pieces for the next seven days. Who steps up with them out?

Who steps up with three Dallas Mavericks rotation players sidelined?

The Mavs play four games over the next week including facing the Bucks in Milwaukee on Jan. 15. Dallas will be without two starters and their backup point guard for that stretch.

Kristaps Porzingis is nearing a return but is expected to miss Saturday’s game against the Orlando Magic. Trey Burke is also questionable with an illness. The Mavs need Burke in the lineup.

If KP and Burke are out on Saturday, the Mavericks will have just 12 healthy players. Expect Tim Hardaway Jr. to return to the starting five with Luka Doncic, Willie Cauley-Stein, and Maxi Kleber. Burke will likely fill the other spot if available.

Dallas will need minutes from rookies Josh Green and Tyrell Terry. Expect Wesley Iwundu to get looks too. Coach Carlisle will have to go deep into his bench with Richardson, Finney-Smith, and Brunson on the sidelines.

Fans should expect to see Kristaps Porzingis back before Richardson, Finney-Smith, and Brunson. The Dallas Mavericks will need him and Tim Hardaway to step up on both ends of the floor. Expect both men to be up to the challenge. Stay tuned.