Mavericks: Kristaps Porzingis (back) to miss fifth straight game

The Dallas Mavericks split the last four games with Kristaps Porzingis on the sidelines with a back injury. The Unicorn looked healthy before suffering the injury against the Rockets, which has caused him to miss more than one week of action.

KP remains out on Wednesday night as the Mavericks face the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center. Dallas is on the second night of a back-to-back after falling to the Miami Heat on Tuesday, so Porzingis' absence will be felt heavily.

The Mavs are still without Maxi Kleber, so how will they adjust without both big men for the second straight game? Here is a look at what to expect from Wednesday evening.

Dallas Mavericks star Kristaps Porzingis remains out vs. Spurs

The Spurs are going to play small with Jakob Poeltl out in the health and safety protocols, so expect them to increase the tempo and try to spread the floor.

The Mavericks will also play small without their top two rim protectors. They topped the Spurs 104-99 on Oct. 28 in the first game KP missed with his back injury. Expect Dallas to use a similar formula on Wednesday night with Jalen Brunson playing an important role as the Mavericks secondary creator. Tim Hardaway Jr., Reggie Bullock, and Frank Ntilikina will also be keys for Dallas as they attempt to defeat San Antonio for the second time this season.

Luka Doncic is starting to find his footing after a slow start, and the Mavs will need another monster performance from their superstar on the second night of a back-to-back in San Antonio. Can he do it? It will be something to watch on Wednesday night.

New Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd gave an update on KP’s back injury before Wednesday’s game. Porzingis remains day-to-day. His next chance to play will be on Saturday at home against the Boston Celtics. Keep it locked to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest updates, and plenty more on the Dallas Mavericks this season.