Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving is coming off an incredible fourth-quarter performance to lift his team over the Kings on Wednesday night. The eight-time All-Star scored 19 in the final 12 minutes to keep the Mavs season alive. They must win their final two regular season game and get help to qualify for the postseason.
Dallas and Chicago enter Friday’s game with identical 38-42 records and tied for the tenth-worst record in the NBA. There are massive lottery implications in play too as the loser likely picks in the top ten on draft night, which is massive for the Mavericks. Dallas owes their pick to the Knicks if it falls 11 through 30. Dallas made a decision on what to prioritize before tipoff.
Will Kyrie face the Bulls on Friday night? What can fans expect? Here is a look at the latest.
Will Kyrie Irving play in Dallas Mavericks vs. Chicago Bulls on April 7?
Irving was listed as probable before being ruled out against Chicago. The Mavericks will look to keep their postseason hopes alive with a win against the shorthanded Bulls, but they will have to do it without Kyrie and others.
Dallas Mavericks' full injury report vs. Chicago Bulls on April 7
Luka Doncic will play, but Dallas ruled out Maxi Kleber, Christian Wood, Josh Green, and Tim Hardaway Jr. on Friday afternoon.
The Bulls ruled out Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Patrick Beverley because of rest on the NBA’s official injury report. Chicago has tenth in the Eastern Conference locked up, and they will likely rest both players on April 7. Alex Caruso (foot) is also listed as questionable with Lonzo Ball and Justin Lewis both ruled out with knee injuries.
Kyrie Irving's injury history
Irving is no stranger to missing games, but he has played through a foot injury down the stretch as Dallas has pushed to make the postseason, but he is out on Friday night.
Will Kyrie Irving pair with Luka Doncic tonight?
Expect Luka to face the Bulls, despite being on the injury report. The Mavericks must win, and their superstar will be locked in on Friday night at the American Airlines Center.
Dallas Mavericks' remaining regular season schedule
The Mavs face the Spurs to wrap up the regular season on Sunday afternoon. San Antonio is rebuilding, and they will not be pushing to win their finale, which means Dallas will be watching the Grizzlies and Thunder game closely.
The Mavericks need Memphis to win to pass OKC for tenth in the Western Conference and the final spot in the Play-In Tournament. Will the Grizzlies rest their starters heading into the playoffs? Can they pull the upset anyways? There will be plenty of drama on Sunday afternoon.
Here are the specifics on Mavericks versus Spurs to finish off the 2022-23 regular season.
Sunday, April 9 vs. San Antonio Spurs at 2:30 p.m. CT