Mavs Kristaps Porzingis Will Miss Game 5, While Dorian Finney-Smith is Questionable

Orlando, FL – JULY 31: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks, Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks, and Dorian Finney-Smith #10 of the Dallas Mavericks high-five during a game against the Houston Rockets on July 31, 2020 at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/ or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Dallas Mavericks and Luka Doncic are coming off his game-winning shot over Clippers guard Reggie Jackson and tied the series at 2-2. After the game, Doncic shared that it was the best feeling once the shot went in, and his whole was running at him.

“When I hit a shot and the whole team is running at me, that was one of the best feelings ever,” said Doncic.

He continued by stating that he could not describe the emotions that he was feeling.

“I can’t explain the emotions. As a player, it’s just something special.” — Luka on his game-winning shot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Smnw5A9yo4s

On Monday night, Doncic was a guest on Inside The NBA on TNT with Shaq, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Ernie Johnson. He was asked when he knew Kristap Porzingis would not play.

“I found out when they announced [the] starting five. I went back to the locker, and that’s when I found out, and he was very sad that he couldn’t be out there, said Doncic. “He is very important, and he wants to play. He wants to be out there, but, unfortunately, he got to work on his knee, and that is when I found out.”

According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, the Mavericks will be without Porzingis again on Tuesday night, as he was ruled out for game five.

Also, according to MacMahon, Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith is listed as questionable due to a left hip strain and right hip soreness.” He has been dealing with this issue since the season was suspended on March 11, 2020.

If Smith can’t go, that would be a bit of a blow to the Mavericks on defense since he has been guarding Paul George most of the series. George hasn’t been playing up to his full potential over the last three games, and this could be the spark that gets him going on offense.

The Mavericks and the Clippers are scheduled to play at 9 pm EST on TNT.