Kyrie

Irving

Irving is back after sitting out Saturday’s loss to the Spurs, which was the Mavericks’ second game in as many nights. With Naji Marshall (illness) out, Irving’s return won’t be the reason that a spot starter heads to the bench.

As expected, Irving will not suit up for the Mavericks contest against the Spurs on a second leg of a back-to-back. Marcus Sasser will get the start at point guard.

Irving was initially listed as questionable but is now expected to miss Saturday’s game. It’s the second leg of a back-to-back, and Cooper Flagg (shoulder) is sidelined, so they apparently don’t want to put too much on Irving’s knee. Marcus Sasser should get the start at point guard, with Walter Clayton Jr. taking on a larger role off the bench.

Irving is listed as questionable for left knee injury management reasons. If he’s able to go he’ll be the top option for the Mavericks with Cooper Flagg (shoulder) sidelined. If not, Dallas doesn’t stand much of a chance against the Spurs without their two best players.

Kyrie looks exactly like what you would be hoping for coming off the Achilles injury. He’s still very shifty and dynamic. He took over the Mavericks offense once Cooper Flagg left the game and helped the Mavericks get a win. You’d want some more assists, but it’s hard to complain too much given the fact that he just got back from an Achilles injury.

Irving played 23 minutes in Wednesday’s loss to the Rockets, his first game since suffering a torn ACL on March 3, 2025. Given the time away from competitive basketball, Kyrie’s limited minutes are not a surprise. May did not disclose in his pregame availability whether Irving will be available for Saturday’s game against the Spurs.

Irving was limited to just 23 minutes against the Rockets Wednesday as he was returning from injury. The 34-year-old point guard missed all of last season with a torn ACL and a calf strain. Irving still scored 15 points on nine attempts in those 23 minutes. Expect his minutes and production to increase as the Mavericks ease him into the beginning of the regular season.

Christie and Flagg were the only starters to take on that role in the Mavericks’ final game of the 2025-26 season. Irving, Washington, and Gafford are back from injury and will round out the starting five on Opening Night. It’s unclear whether Irving’s minutes will be limited, but don’t be surprised if the Mavericks don’t ask him to take on a full workload immediately.

Irving was targeting a return last March, but the Mavericks’ lottery odds weren’t the only factor that prevented him from playing last season. Irving’s calf strain set him back eight weeks, which means he wouldn’t have been ready to return until well after their season ended. He will play in one of their two preseason games in China against the Rockets this weekend, though it hasn’t been decided which one.

Irving has not appeared in a basketball game since suffering a torn left ACL on March 31, 2025. During Mavericks media day, the veteran point guard said that he’s “ready to kick some butt,” which is great news for Dallas and fantasy managers. However, Irving has not played more than 65 regular-season games since the 2018-19 campaign. The team may place early restrictions on Irving’s playing time, but he can still offer high value in any fantasy format.