Kristaps Porzingis
Photo: Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

Dallas Mavericks’ Kristaps Porzingis is nearing his season debut, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.

Porzingis, however, won’t play against the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 7.

“In terms of a timetable, we’re not talking weeks. We’re talking some time in the next week, week and a half, if all things continue to go well,” said head coach Rick Carlisle.

The 25-year-old was recently a “full-go” at practice and is almost ready to return after surgery on his torn meniscus.

The Mavericks are off to a 3-4 start without Porzingis, who will likely eventually be eased back into his usual playing time.