Mavericks: Kristaps Porzingis (back) out vs. Nuggets

The Dallas Mavericks have won three straight games after Thursday’s victory over the Spurs. The bench provided the spark after the starters struggled in the first quarter without Kristaps Porzingis. It was a fantastic team win and another positive step for Dallas under new head coach Jason Kidd.

The Mavs have their first back-to-back of the season as they travel to Denver to face the Nuggets on Friday night. It is a key game in the Western Conference as both teams figure to be vying for top-four positions this year, but Dallas will have to try to win their second straight game without KP as he was again ruled out with a back injury.

How will the Mavs adjust without the Unicorn on Friday night? What should fans expect as they take on the Nuggets on the second night of a back-to-back?

Mavericks star Kristaps Porzingis out vs. Nuggets: Who steps up?

The Mavs played mostly single big man lineups against the Spurs without Kristaps Porzingis. Expect that to continue on Friday night. Maxi Kleber will again need to step up and be the team’s rim protector against the Nuggets.

Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic is questionable to face the Mavericks. If he plays, the Mavericks will struggle to match up. They could call on Boban Marjanovic to slow him down in the paint, but the 7’4 big man missed Thursday’s win over the Spurs with a back injury of his own.

The Dallas Mavericks need more from Tim Hardaway Jr. in Denver. Luka Doncic will drop another impressive line, and Jalen Brunson will again need to step up his scoring. It will take a total team effort to defeat the Nuggets in Denver on the second night of a back-to-back set. Fans should tune in to see if Dallas can make it four straight wins.