Mavericks: Kristaps Porzingis injures ankle: Does not return vs. Lakers

The Dallas Mavericks hosted the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. It was a crucial game for both teams. Anthony Davis played for the first time in two months for the Lakers, and the Mavs had a chance to move into a tie for the sixth seed in the Western Conference. Dallas must move up if they want to avoid the play-in tournament.

Kristaps Porzingis played on the second night of a back-to-back for just the fourth time this season. He had 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals in the Mavericks win over the Pistons on Wednesday night. Dallas needs every victory to avoid the play-in tournament, so they took the restrictions off KP.

Things did not end well for the Unicorn. Porzingis was playing well before suffering an ankle injury late in the third quarter that kept him out for the rest of the game. Fans can see the play here.

Dallas Mavericks Kristaps Porzingis injures ankle: Does not return versus Lakers

The Mavericks were quick to rule out KP for the rest of the game with a left ankle sprain. It did not look good and could cause the Unicorn to miss additional time. Coach Rick Carlisle had this to say after the Mavs win on Thursday night.

Expect plenty more updates on his status in the coming days, but it appears KP avoided a lengthy absence.

The Mavs will have to rely on Maxi Kleber, Dwight Powell, Willie Cauley-Stein, and Nicolo Melli to step up and play more minutes in the frontcourt if Porzingis is forced to miss more time. Kleber sat out Thursday’s game with a back injury. Coach Rick Carlisle could also choose to go small and give more minutes to Tim Hardaway Jr., Jalen Brunson, and J.J. Redick.

Dallas Mavericks fans should check back to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest on Kristaps Porzingis, plus the news, opinions, and analysis they crave. It figures to be a wild and exciting stretch run. Do not miss it.