Kyrie Irving’s streak of 31 consecutive games played will come to an end as he is listed as out for the Mavericks’ regular-season home finale against the Pistons. This marks his longest stretch of games since 2015-16. The reason given for Irving’s absence is left hamstring soreness, a setback that is sure to disappoint Mavericks fans who have enjoyed watching the star guard’s performance on the court.
As if Irving’s absence wasn’t concerning enough, co-star Luka Doncic, the NBA scoring leader, is listed as questionable for the game due to left ankle soreness. Doncic’s health has been a topic of discussion throughout the season, and his potential absence adds another layer of uncertainty to the Mavericks’ lineup for the crucial matchup against the Pistons.
With two games remaining in the regular season, the Mavericks are in a solid position, guaranteed to finish no lower than fifth in the Western Conference. There is still a chance for Dallas to secure the No. 4 seed and home-court advantage in the first round against the LA Clippers, but they would need to win their final two games while hoping for the Clippers to lose twice. It’s a tall order, but not impossible given the competitiveness of the Western Conference.
Irving, 32, was acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Brooklyn Nets last season, but injuries have plagued his time with Doncic and the Mavericks. Throughout this season, Irving has dealt with a bruised heel and a sprained thumb, causing him to miss a significant portion of the team’s games from December to February. However, when Irving has been on the court, his impact has been undeniable, helping the Mavericks go on a 24-7 run to secure their spot in the playoffs.
Irving’s absence and Doncic’s questionable status present challenges for the Mavericks as they approach the final games of the regular season. With the playoffs looming, Dallas will need their star players healthy and ready to compete at their best to make a deep run in the postseason. Only time will tell if Irving and Doncic can overcome their injuries and lead the Mavericks to success on the court.