DALLAS -- Mavericks power forward/center Kristaps Porzingis has cleared the NBA's health and safety protocols after missing the past seven games and is expected to play in Saturday night's home game against the Orlando Magic.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd also cleared the protocols.
Dallas won six of the seven games missed by Porzingis, who is averaging 20.6 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. The Mavs went 3-1 during Kidd's absence, when defensive coordinator Sean Sweeney served as the acting head coach.
A source said Porzingis felt well in recent days and had been able to do individual workouts.
Sources told ESPN that the Mavericks also agreed to a two-year deal for the veteran's minimum with center Marquese Chriss, who would have been ineligible to play on his 10-day hardship deal because of Porzingis' return.
The Mavs will waive center Willie Cauley-Stein, who hasn't played since Nov. 27 due to personal reasons, to create the roster spot for Chriss, a source said.
Chriss has played 12 games over the course of three 10-day deals with the Mavs, averaging 6.8 points and 3.9 rebounds in 11.8 minutes per game while shooting 63% from the floor.
