Dallas Mavericks: Dorian Finnney-Smith set to return vs. Blazers

The Dallas Mavericks were without three key players when they matched up against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 19. Starter Dorian Finney-Smith was out for personal reasons as James Johnson and Willie Cauley-Stein were both in the health and safety protocols.

The Mavs put up a fight but fell to the Blazers on Friday night. Portland went small without Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins in the lineup. Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum both dropped 30-plus, but it was a massive fourth quarter that propelled the Blazers to victory.

Dallas needs reinforcements as they wrap up their two-game set in Portland, and they are getting them. Dorian Finney-Smith was at practice on March 20 and will be back for Sunday’s tilt versus the Trail Blazers. Fans can see him here courtesy of Callie Caplan.

How will Dorian Finney-Smith impact Dallas Mavericks vs. Blazers on Sunday?

Expect Doe-Doe to return to the starting five and make a massive impact on the March 21 contest. He will be tasked with defending Damian Lillard. Finney-Smith spent 7:17 on the Blazers superstar in the first meeting between the two teams back in February. The only players he has guarded more in a single game this season are Jayson Tatum and Brandon Ingram.

Portland scored 125 on Friday night including 37 in the first quarter. Finney-Smith should even out the Mavericks defense and help them slow down Lillard. Expect a monster game from the Blazers superstar. He is one of the best scorers in the league, but the improved defense may be just enough to lift Dallas to victory on Sunday night.

Dallas Mavericks fans will not want to miss it. Luka Doncic and Damian Lillard have engaged in some of the best scoring duels over the last two years. Do not be surprised to see another one on Sunday night. Be sure to tune in and enjoy the game.