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

The Dallas Mavericks have won two of their last three games, and Kristaps Porzingis has not played in any of them. He was upgraded to questionable before Sunday’s win over the Kings but was not healthy enough to go.

Fans got a bit more optimistic after the Unicorn was spotted shooting at practice on Monday. He was again questionable but ruled out hours before tipoff.

Things are a bit dicey for Dallas on Tuesday as they host the Miami Heat. Maxi Kleber injured his back in Sunday’s win and was also ruled out. How will the Mavericks adjust without two of their top big men?

Dallas Mavericks star Kristaps Porzingis (back) out vs. Heat

The Heat have won five of their first six games, and are one of the best defensive teams in the league. All-Star Bam Adebayo missed the team’s last game with a knee injury and remains questionable to play in Dallas. If he suits up, the Mavericks will struggle to stop him. Dallas will have to play small and space the floor to pull the upset on Tuesday night.

Jimmy Butler is the reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Week. Fans should expect him to matchup on Luka Doncic with Miami bringing plenty of help on the Mavs superstar. Can the 22-year-old put up one of those unbelievable performances that lifts Dallas to victory?

The Mavericks attempted to sign Kyle Lowry last offseason, but he chose Miami over Dallas. Expect that to give the Mavs a bit of extra fire on Tuesday night.

New head coach Jason Kidd could be forced to go deep into his bench versus Miami. Dwight Powell and Willie Cauley-Stein will handle most of the center minutes, but he could turn to Boban Marjanovic or Moses Brown for a lift if the Mavericks are struggling.

Fans should tune in for the heavyweight showdown on Nov. 2 at the American Airlines Center, and please check back to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest on Kristaps Porzingis and his latest injury.