Dallas Mavericks big man Kristaps Porzingis has been ruled out of the remainder of the first-round NBA playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Porzingis has not played since Game 3 due to an injury, now revealed to be a lateral meniscus tear of his right knee.

The former New York Knicks star suffered the setback in Game 1, the Mavs said, an opening defeat from which Porzingis was controversially ejected.

"Further treatment options are being explored at this time," a statement read.

The Clippers have a 3-2 lead through five games, with Luka Doncic left to bear the weight of the team while struggling with a fitness concern of his own, sparkling in a dramatic Game 4 win.

Game 6, with Porzingis absent, is set for Sunday after the NBA agreed a restart following the postponement of midweek games amid protests against police brutality and racial inequality.

Porzingis averaged 20.4 points and 9.5 rebounds across 57 regular-season games this season.