DALLAS — Mavericks center Dwight Powell suffered a right Achilles injury in the first quarter of Tuesday night’s game against the LA Clippers, collapsing to the ground without contact.
Powell did not return to the game, which the Mavs lost 110-107. A torn Achilles probably would sideline Powell for the rest of the season.
He will have an MRI on Wednesday.
“Feared to be severe, but we won’t know for sure until there’s a diagnostic test done,” Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said after the game. “It’s a real tough one. Real tough one.”
Powell drove to the basket when his right leg gave out on him when he attempted to push off with 3 minutes, 1 second remaining in the quarter. He was in agony before being helped off the floor.
Powell, 28, has developed into a critical role player since arriving in Dallas as part of the Rajon Rondo trade in 2015. He is averaging 9.6 points and 5.7 rebounds in his first season as a full-time starter.
His impact goes beyond basic statistics, as Powell is considered a critical part of the Mavs’ culture. He’s also an excellent complement to franchise cornerstones Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. Powell is one of the NBA’s most efficient pick-and-roll finishers and typically defends power forwards, allowing Porzingis to play to his strengths as a rim protector.
Powell’s injury occurred early in Porzingis’ return after Porzingis missed the previous 10 games because of right knee soreness.
Porzingis finished with 10 points on 4-of-17 shooting, with nine rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.