Mavericks' Kristaps Porzingis, coach Jason Kidd clear COVID protocol / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports Credit Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Big man Kristaps Porzingis and head coach Jason Kidd cleared the NBA's health and safety protocol and are expected to rejoin the Dallas Mavericks for their home game against the Orlando Magic Saturday night.

Kristaps Porzingis

MIN:30.42PTS:20.58 (55.8%)REB:7.96As:2.35ST:0.77BL:1.69TO:1.46GM:26ProfileNBA2021/2022

Porzingis, 26, was left off the team's injury report, and The Dallas Morning News said he was listed as probable to start. He last played Dec. 31 when he had 24 points and nine rebounds in a 112-96 win over the Sacramento Kings.

He missed seven games, and the Mavericks were 6-1 in his absence.

Kidd, 48, entered the protocol on Jan. 7. Assistant Sean Sweeney served as the Mavericks' head coach over the past four games, including Friday night's 112-85 road win over the Memphis Grizzlies

The fourth overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, Porzingis is averaging 20.6 points and 8.0 rebounds in 26 games with Dallas this season.

Kidd has the Mavericks (23-19) in fifth place in the Western Conference entering play Saturday. The former Mavericks star is in his first season on the Dallas bench after replacing Rick Carlisle, who is now coaching the Indiana Pacers.

Center Willie Cauley-Stein (personal reasons) will not play Saturday night for the Mavericks.

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