Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving admitted to feeling pressure after the team’s loss to the Pacers on Tuesday night. The Mavs have dropped five of their last six games, and they are just 4-5 since pulling off the blockbuster trade for Kyrie. Dallas needs to sort out their defense and late-game execution if they want to get back on track.
That will not be easy on Thursday night as the Philadelphia 76ers visit the American Airlines Center. Joel Embiid and James Harden are fighting for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference, and they are looking for a second straight statement win on March 2, despite being on the second night of a back-to-back.
Will Kyrie play against the Sixers? Who is out for the Mavericks on Thursday night? Here is a closer look at the injury report before digging in on what is next for Dallas.
Will Kyrie Irving play in Dallas Mavericks Philadelphia 76ers on March 2?
Irving will play on Thursday night. He is not on the team’s official injury report, and the eight-time All-Star will be looking to bounce back after two straight subpar performances.
Dallas Mavericks' full injury report vs. Philadelphia 76ers on March 2
The Mavs will be without Davis Bertans for the 11th straight game with a calf strain, but he is the only player on their injury report. McKinley Wright IV and A.J. Lawson were sent down to the Texas Legends and will not play against Philly.
The Sixers are on the second night of a back-to-back, so they have yet to release an official injury report. Joel Embiid missed Wednesday’s game with a sore foot. Be sure to check social media closer to tipoff for all the latest.
Kyrie Irving's injury history
Irving missed one game with the Mavericks with a back injury. He is still fitting in and finding his rhythm in Dallas, but Kyrie is searching for a new contract this summer. That gives him every reason to play over the final 19 regular-season games.
Will Kyrie Irving pair with Luka Doncic tonight?
Both Luka and Kyrie will play on Thursday night. The superstar duo has won just once in their five games together, but they have dropped three nail-bitters. Can Dallas turn things around on Feb. 2? It will be fascinating to watch.
Dallas Mavericks' next 5 opponents
The schedule stiffens for the Mavs over the next six games starting on Thursday night. Each opponent is fighting for playoff positioning as Dallas struggles to work out the kinks after the trade. It could be a rough stretch that sees the Mavericks drop further in the standings.
Here is a closer look at the Mavs' next five games after Thursday’s tussle against the Sixers.
Sunday, March 5 vs. Phoenix Suns at 12:00 p.m. CT
Tuesday, March 7 vs. Utah Jazz at 7:30 p.m. CT
Wednesday, March 8 at New Orleans Pelicans at 6:30 p.m. CT
Saturday, March 11 at Memphis Grizzlies at 7:00 p.m. CT
Monday, March 13 vs. Memphis Grizzlies at 6:30 p.m. CT