Mavs-Blazers preview: With Dinwiddie, Kidd has options until Luka returns

PORTLAND, Ore. – It’s a matter of time until Luka Dončić gets back into action and it could happen as soon as Sunday night against the Portland Trail Blazers.

But even if he doesn’t return on the second night of back-to-back games, the Mavericks have a Plan B. It’s the same one that has helped them go 4-1 in the five games Luka has missed with a sprained right wrist.

And it has included a heavy dose of Spencer Dinwiddie, who has proven to be exactly what the Mavericks hoped he would be when they went after him in free agency in the offseason.

Dinwiddie continues to play a big role when Dončić – or anybody else in the backcourt – is sidelined for whatever reason.

So if the need arises, expect more Dinwiddie sightings moving forward, like the one Saturday in Utah when he had 10 assists to go with seven points in the 106-94 victory over the Jazz.

It was a reminder of why the Mavericks got the 6-5 guard. When the free-agent process was happening, coach Jason Kidd and general manager Nico Harrison told Dinwiddie exactly what the job description was going to be.

“Nico and I, when we talked to Spence, we were honest with him, understanding what the roster looked like and what we needed him to do,” Kidd said. “And if he was on board, then it was his spot to have. He wanted that opportunity.

“The depth that we have, he might not play for 10 days. But he’d be a pro in that locker room and be ready when needed. And he’s lived up to that. He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do. We told him the truth in the summer and he’s playing his role at the highest level right now.”

Dinwiddie, who is in his second run with the Mavericks, said that he was appreciative of the way the free-agent process went.

“I knew we were a deep team,” he said. “Obviously, J-Kidd and Nico do a phenomenal job of communicating. I just approached it as what can I do every night to help our team win.”

If Luka is back against the Blazers, the opportunity might not be there for Dinwiddie. But you can bet that if that window does open, he’ll be ready.

Kidd expects nothing less.

“When we get healthy – and hopefully it doesn’t take him 10 days if we are healthy to play – but he’s been a pro and that’s what happens when you have a deep team,” Kidd said. “There’s going to be a time when you might not play, but be a professional and always be ready.

“And I think it helps with some of the younger players on the team, too, that he’s been able to lead in that way. If you’re just honest with (players) and tell them the truth – if things change, you can pivot. But as long as you’re up front with the truth, it all works out, good things will happen.”

Here’s what else to watch for when the Mavericks visit the Blazers:

• The Mavericks’ timing isn’t great for this game. They are coming off Saturday’s 106-94 victory in Utah and now will be visiting a Portland team that isn’t great on the road, but has won four in a row at home, including two wins over Minnesota.
• Portland is coming off a 115-106 home win over Sacramento on Friday and the Blazers did it the same way they’ve had most of their success this season – by spreading the wealth. They were led by Phoenix castoff Deandre Ayton with 26 points, but also got 21 (and nine assists) from Anfernee Simons and 20 from Deni Avdija.
• The Blazers are building their team slowly, methodically and it appears they are on the verge of turning a corner. However, they are having trouble navigating an injury-riddled stretch at the moment. Among their wounded: highly regarded rookie center Donovan Clingan, out with a knee injury, and Matisse Thybulle, out with an ankle sprain. Listed as day-to-day are starters Jerami Grant (knee) and Scoot Henderson (quad).
• While the Blazers may be another year from being playoff caliber, they have done a good job of building their depth with players like Delano Banton, the best 6-9 point guard you may have never heard of. He’s coming off a 17-point, 5-steal outing in 17 minutes against Sacramento.
• The Blazers are not a strong offensive team, ranking in the bottom five of the NBA in points, shooting percentage and three-point percentage. They are led by guard Shaedon Sharpe at 17.7 points per game.

MAVERICKS (12-8) at PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS (8-12)

WHEN: 8 p.m., Sunday

WHERE: Moda Center, Portland

TV: KFAA, MAVS TV STREAM

RADIO: KEGL 97.1 FM, 99.1 FM Zona MX (Spanish)

X: @ESefko