By SCHUYLER DIXON
AP Sports Writer

DALLAS (AP) - Kristaps Porzingis appears close to returning from right knee soreness that has sidelined the Dallas Mavericks forward the past 10 games. The 7-foot-3 Latvian stops short of declaring himself ready because Porzingis was a late scratch in Sacramento last week when he thought he was ready. The Mavericks have been cautious with Porzingis since acquiring him in a trade with New York when he was still recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Porzingis says be believes he will play in the next game Tuesday against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.