Kyrie Irving (knee) downgraded to doubtful

It was a two-man show for Dallas in this one with Irving and Cooper Flagg combining for an eye-popping 78 of their 125 points. The pair hoisted 43 shot attempts total and connected on 10-of-16 three-pointers. Seven of those conversions from long range came courtesy of Irving as he put together one of his best shooting efforts in recent memory, matching his previous season-high mark in the scoring department set against the Rockets back on October 30. The 34-year-old point guard is putting together an impressive campaign, averaging 22.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.2 steals through nine games.

Irving played in Sunday’s win over the Nets, and he’s on track to take the court for the second leg of the back-to-back set. On the season, he’s averaging 21.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists across 29.5 minutes per game.

Irving played 29 minutes on Sunday, sitting the entire fourth quarter because Dallas held a large lead. The Mavericks guard has scored at least 21 points in four of his eight appearances this season and continues to strengthen his chemistry with Cooper Flagg. Unfortunately for those rostering Irving, Week 4 could be tough. The Mavericks host the Pacers on Monday, then play another back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday. Irving managers may not get more than two games of production.

Sunday’s game is the first of two in as many days for the Mavericks, who host the Pacers on Monday. With Irving available, fantasy managers should plan for the possibility that he doesn’t play against Indiana.

Kyrie played in the last game against the Spurs, so there shouldn’t be any changes in the rotation. Unless the illness flares up during the game, he should be full steam ahead. If he underperforms tonight, the illness could be a reason why.

Although Irving is listed as probable, getting added to the injury report just hours before tip-off with an illness is never a positive update. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status leading up to the Friday evening slate.

Active after sitting out Monday’s loss to the Kings, Irving played 36 minutes in the 112-111 thriller. He had a chance to put the Mavericks ahead in the final seconds of regulation, but the shot missed. Irving has provided excellent fantasy value so far, but availability remains a concern.

Irving did not play in Monday’s loss to the Kings, with Caleb Martin replacing him in the starting lineup. With Max Christie (hip) out, Martin could stay in the starting five even after Irving’s return.

Christie exited Monday’s loss to the Kings during the first quarter and did not return. While Walter Clayton Jr.'s playing time increased, the Mavericks were also without Kyrie Irving (knee). With Kyrie off the injury report, Clayton’s minutes will likely decrease.

No Kyrie Irving (knee) led to Clayton playing rotation minutes on Monday, and he took advantage of the opportunity. Shooting 3-of-4 from the field, the second-year guard scored nine points in the first half. After Max Christie was ruled out with a hip injury, Clayton entered the lineup to start the third quarter. Whether he has value for Wednesday’s game against the Spurs will depend on Irving’s and Christie’s availability.