Dallas Mavericks: Dwight Powell (illness) out vs. Clippers

The Dallas Mavericks missed Dwight Powell inside the bubble. He suffered a torn Achilles in January 2020 and was unable to take part in the restart. Powell was in Orlando with the team but could not play in his first playoff series since 2016.

The 29-year-old has struggled to come back from the devastating injury. He was healthy on opening night and started the team’s first six games, but Powell’s performance has been up and down. He missed eight straight games in January in the health and safety protocols too. Powell has split the backup center minutes with Willie Cauley-Stein when Kristaps Porzingis is healthy.

The Mavs were without Dwight Powell on Monday night. Coach Rick Carlisle ruled him out with a non-COVID-related illness. It would be the 13th game the big man has missed so far this season. Dallas was a bit light in the frontcourt because James Johnson was also out for personal reasons.

How will Dallas Mavericks adjust without Dwight Powell versus the LA Clippers?

Powell started and played nearly 18 minutes in the Mavs’ 51-point victory over the Clippers in December. That is the only meeting between the two teams so far this season.

Fans will see more Willie Cauley-Stein and Maxi Kleber with Powell on the sidelines. Both big men must step up against the Clippers. It will be no easy task as LA is no stranger to going small and making life difficult on the inside.

Expect Dallas to play small to match up on the Clippers. There will be plenty of Dorian Finney-Smith at the four and multiple guard sets over the two-game series at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks still want revenge from the bubble playoffs, but the 51-point beat down in December will be fresh in the Clippers’ minds. Expect fireworks in the two-game set.

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