Dallas Mavericks: Kristaps Porzingis upgraded to questionable vs. Pelicans

Dallas Mavericks: Kristaps Porzingis upgraded to questionable vs. Pelicans

Dallas Mavericks star Kristaps Porzingis has not played this season. He is recovering from an offseason meniscus repair, but the 7’3 big man is getting close. He has been practicing and will make his debut soon.

For the first time this season, Porzingis is listed as questionable for Monday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans on the NBA’s official injury report. It is a positive sign for the Unicorn.

Will KP play on Monday night? What does it mean for the Mavs if he does? Let us take a closer look.

Will Dallas Mavericks star Kristaps Porzingis return versus Pelicans?

Fans should expect to see the Unicorn make his debut on Monday night. The Mavericks are short-handed with four players in the league’s health and safety protocols. Maxi Kleber is the latest to face a quarantine. Dallas is also without Josh Richardson, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Jalen Brunson. They need Porzingis back in the fold to take down the Pelicans on Jan. 11.

Do not expect to see the Unicorn play a full complement of minutes on Monday night. It is his first game back after missing nearly three months of action. He will likely play somewhere between 20 and 25 minutes against the Pelicans. Coach Carlisle is likely to use him in shorter bursts too.

Kristaps Porzingis is going to make a massive impact for the Dallas Mavericks on both ends of the floor. He is the team’s top rim protector, along with being a lethal scorer and floor spacer on the offensive end. Expect plenty of monster games from KP this season. It will be fantastic to see him back in the lineup.

Check back to The Smoking Cuban for more updates on Kristaps Porzingis, plus all things Dallas Mavericks this season. Stay tuned.