The Dallas Mavericks did not blink at the opportunity to trade for a second star when they landed Kyrie Irving in a blockbuster deal with the Nets. The 30-year-old point guard instantly became the most talented teammate Luka Doncic has ever played with in the NBA, and he raised the Mavs ceiling.
Irving also gave the Mavericks two starters in the 2023 NBA All-Star Game. Doncic was named a starter in the Western Conference after winning the player and media votes. Kyrie took home the fan and player voting to earn a starting nod in the East. The NBA decided to leave him as a starter, despite switching conferences.
Will Irving play on Sunday night after missing Wednesday’s game with a back injury? Get all the latest All-Star injury updates here.
Will Kyrie Irving play in the 2023 NBA All-Star Game?
Irving’s low back tightness popped up on the day of the game, but it does not appear severe. He missed one contest, but Kyrie should be ready to play on Sunday night. Irving loves putting on a show in the All-Star Game, so expect a monster night from the newest Mavericks guard.
2023 NBA All-Star Game full injury report
Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Zion Williamson were already ruled out for the All-Star Game with Anthony Edwards, De’Aaron Fox, and Pascal Siakam filling in as replacements.
Sixers big man Joel Embiid is considering sitting out the All-Star game with a foot injury, and Giannis Antetokounmpo injured his wrist on Thursday night. Both should be considered questionable for Sunday’s game.
Kyrie Irving's injury history
Irving missed his 14th game of the season and first with the Mavericks when he sat out in Denver. The 30-year-old wants a max contract this offseason, so he has more than 200 million reasons to shine down the stretch. Expect Kyrie to be back putting on a show soon.
Will Kyrie Irving pair with Luka Doncic in the 2023 NBA All-Star Game?
Luka Doncic is healthy and ready for his fourth All-Star Game. There is no guarantee that they are teammates, even if Kyrie plays on Sunday night. The captains will draft their teams one hour before tipoff. LeBron James will be looking to take both Luka and Kyrie, but Giannis could have something to say about that.
What is next for Kyrie Irving and Dallas Mavericks after the All-Star break
The Mavs return from the break with a six-game homestand that features some must-win contests. They are currently sixth in the Western Conference, but just two games up on the 12th-seeded Blazers.
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving both need to lock in and lead the Mavericks down the stretch, and that starts on Feb. 23 against the rebuilding Spurs. Here is a look at their first five games after the All-Star break.
Thursday, Feb. 23 vs. San Antonio Spurs at 7:30 p.m. CT
Sunday, Feb. 26 vs. Los Angeles Lakers at 2:30 p.m. CT
Tuesday, Feb. 28 vs. Indiana Pacers at 7:30 p.m. CT
Thursday, March 2 vs. Philadelphia 76ers at 6:30 p.m. CT
Sunday, March 5 vs. Phoenix Suns at 12:00 p.m. CT