It’s looking like Kristaps Porzingis’ absence from the court is about to end.

Coach Jason Kidd said Porzingis went through practice on Friday, looked good and that “hopefully, he plays (Saturday).”

We can debate all we want on how Porzingis impacts the Mavericks, but one thing is for sure: his presence helps all the other Mavericks, but in particular, Luka Dončić.

Defenses are able to zero in more on the superstar point guard when Porzingis is not playing. It’s just a fact of life and something that has become standard during the past five games that Porzingis has missed.

“Most likely, yes, because of the skill set he brings,” Kidd said of whether defenses alter the way they play Luka when Porzingis isn’t there.

He then added that, this year, no matter who is on the floor, things are different for Dončić. It’s what happens to superstars.

“Right now we’re seeing a lot of red – switching,” Kidd said. “With KP or no KP, we’re seeing a lot of switching to keep a body in front of Luka at all times.

“So that’s something that we got to get better at. But with the skill set of KP, hopefully that can help us get more space to drive to the basket.”

The sample size is too small to know what kind of start to the season Porzingis was off to when he played in the first three games.

His numbers – 30 percent shooting, 23.5 percent from 3-point range and 12.7 points per game – obviously aren’t what he or the Mavericks want.

But getting back to work, whether it’s Saturday against Boston or next week, should afford Porzingis more chances to be more like his normal self.

“We want him to be healthy,” Kidd said. “It’s early in the season. And hopefully he’s ready to go tomorrow.

“It’s one thing to practice. You always look good in practice. But you have to go through the games. The more games he goes through with the guys, I think we’ll have a better feel.”

Just Porzingis’ presence should make a difference. But it’ll be interesting to see when he returns how the lineup looks.

Jalen Brunson has had two terrific outings as a starter while the Mavericks have gone with a smaller lineup. Will it be Dwight Powell that begins coming off the bench when Porzingis returns?

Only Kidd has the answer to that.

But what it comes back to is that teams are usually better off when they add an all-star level player, which is what the Mavericks will be doing with Porzingis’ return.

It should help everybody.

But especially Luka.

Twitter: @ESefko

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