PORTLAND, Ore. – It’s a matter of time before Luka Dončić returns to action, and that could happen as early as Sunday night against the Portland Trail Blazers.

But even if he doesn’t return on the second night in back-to-back games, the Mavericks have a Plan B. It’s the same one that helped them go 4-1 in the five games Luka missed with a sprained right wrist.

And that includes a healthy dose of Spencer Dinwiddie, who has proven to be exactly what the Mavericks were hoping for when they pursued him as a free agent in the offseason.

Dinwiddie continues to play a big role if Dončić – or anyone else in the backfield – is out for any reason.

So if the need arises, expect more sightings of Dinwiddie in the future, like Saturday in Utah when he had 10 assists to go and seven points in a 106-94 win over the Jazz.

It was a reminder of why the Mavericks got the 6-5 guard. When the free agent process was underway, coach Jason Kidd and general manager Nico Harrison told Dinwiddie exactly what the job description would be.

“Nico and I, when we spoke to Spence, we were honest with him and understood what the roster looked like and what we expected from him,” Kidd said. “And when he was on board, it was his place. He wanted this opportunity.

“With the depth we have, he couldn’t play for 10 days. But in the locker room he was a professional and ready when needed. And he did it justice. He did everything we asked him to do. We told him the truth in the summer and he is now playing his role at the highest level.”

Dinwiddie, playing for the Mavericks for the second time, said he was grateful for how the free agent process went.

“I knew we were a strong team,” he said. “Obviously J-Kidd and Nico do phenomenal communication. I just approached it by asking what I could do every night to help our team win.”

If Luka returns against the Blazers, Dinwiddie’s chance may not be there. But you can bet he’ll be ready when that window opens.

Kidd expects nothing less.

“If we get healthy – and if we get healthy, hopefully he won’t need 10 days to play – but he was a professional and that’s what happens when you have a strong team,” Kidd said. “There will come a time when you may not play, but you are a professional and you are always ready.

“And I think it helps some of the younger players on the team as well that he was able to lead in that way. If you’re just honest with (the players) and tell them the truth – if things change, you can pivot. But as long as you are clear about the truth, everything will work out and good things will happen.”

Here’s what else to look for when the Mavericks visit the Blazers:

• The Mavericks’ timing is not optimal for this game. They are coming off a 106-94 win at Utah on Saturday and will now visit a Portland team that isn’t particularly good on the road but has won four straight at home, including two wins against Minnesota.
• Portland is coming off a 115-106 home win over Sacramento on Friday, and the Blazers did it the same way they’ve achieved most success this season – by spreading the wealth around. They were led by Phoenix reliever Deandre Ayton with 26 points, but also got 21 (and nine assists) from Anfernee Simons and 20 from Deni Avdija.
• The Blazers are slowly and methodically building their team and it appears they are on the verge of a turnaround. However, they are currently struggling to navigate an injury-plagued stretch. Among the injured: highly regarded rookie center Donovan Clingan, out with a knee injury, and Matisse Thybulle, out with an ankle sprain. Jerami Grant (knee) and Scoot Henderson (quad) are listed as starters for the day.
• While the Blazers may still be a year away from playoff level, they’ve done a good job building their strength with players like Delano Banton, the best 6-9 point guard you may never have heard of. He had 17 points and 5 steals in 17 minutes against Sacramento.
• The Blazers are not a strong offensive team and rank in the bottom five of the NBA in points, shooting percentage and three-point percentage. They are led by guard Shaedon Sharpe with 17.7 points per game.

MAVERICKS (12-8) at PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS (8-12)

WHEN: Sunday, 8 p.m

WHERE: Moda Center, Portland

TV: KFAA, MAVS TV STREAM

RADIO: KEGL 97.1 FM, 99.1 FM Zona MX (Spanish)

X: @ESefko