Mavericks: Kristaps Porzingis misses third straight game with back injury

The Dallas Mavericks have won two straight games after being forced to take a week off by the severe weather in Texas. Luka Doncic has led the way to give Dallas six victories in their last seven.

The Mavs won the last two without Kristaps Porzingis. The star practiced during the week off, but a back injury cropped up to sideline the Unicorn.  Coach Rick Carlisle has downplayed the severity of the injury, but it cost KP his third straight game on Thursday evening.

How would the Mavs adjust against the Philadelphia 76ers? Who matches up against MVP candidate Joel Embiid? Let us take a closer look.

Kristaps Porzingis out versus Sixers: How will Dallas Mavericks adjust?

Maxi Kleber missed the game against the Celtics, but he is set to return to the lineup in Philadelphia. Expect coach Carlisle to insert him back into the starting five. Kleber may be the Mavericks’ best chance in slowing down Joel Embiid because the superstar big man is a threat inside and out.

Dwight Powell has started two straight games, but he was limited to just 11 minutes versus Boston. Do not be surprised to see Willie Cauley-Stein and James Johnson get more run against Philly. Boban Marjanovic could even be used in the second unit against Sixers backup big man Dwight Howard.

Seth Curry is set to return against the Mavericks. He should be back in the starting five alongside Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris, Danny Green, and Embiid. The Mavs will have their hands full trying to slow down the Sixers.

Expect Philly to use Ben Simmons on Luka Doncic. He is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, but nobody is slowing down the Mavericks superstar right now.

Thursday’s showdown on TNT promises to be full of excitement. Fans will not want to miss it, so please tune in and enjoy the show.