Mavs Hopeful Kyrie Irving Nears Return as Luka Doncic's Heavy Workload Continues

The Mavs are optimistic Kyrie Irving will return during their upcoming road trip, but in the meantime, Luka Doncic's heavy workload will continue.

DALLAS — Kyrie Irving was among various players ruled out for the Dallas Mavericks' matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. 

The Mavs are set to begin a three-game East Coast road trip on Monday, beginning with a game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Irving, who has been sidelined for six consecutive games due to a right thumb sprain, has been progressing toward a return.

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Kidd participated in practice during the Mavs' two-day off-period since Wednesday's loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

"Kai has had two good days here of practice," Kidd said. "Hopefully, on this trip, he'll be available, but I thought he looked good yesterday."

As Irving continues to deal with his injury, Doncic will return to the Mavs' lineup after a one-game absence caused by a right ankle sprain that he's continued to manage. 

"You know, with so many guys out, having that discussion with him this morning, I'm I'm telling him, 'I have to try to keep you under 40 minutes,'" Kidd said. 

Kidd mentioned Doncic's willingness to play as many minutes as needed since he had four days off since his last game. The Slovenian superstar has averaged 39.1 minutes per game since December 10, the day after Irving's foot injury during a road game against the Portland Trail Blazers, which leads the NBA by 0.4. 

"I did love his response. He said since he hadn't played in four days, that meant that I could play in 48," Kidd said. "But [managing minutes] is a concern because it is a long season, and when you're playing him 43, 46, 47 minutes and asking him to do everything offensively, and he's going to be involved in a lot of plays on the defensive end, that that takes a toll on you mentally and physically.

Regardless, the Mavs coaching staff still has to manage his minutes as the long-term remains vital, but at the same time, the continued injury struggles the team has endured have him in a situation where he has to play heavy minutes. 

"We have to get healthy. We have to get some bodies back and help him because he is the franchise," Kidd said. "He's the No. 1 that makes this thing go, and when he's out, as you saw against Minnesota, things don't go well. I did like his response because this could be a night where he plays for 40-something minutes, and that's just the way we are right now."

Dereck Lively II was another key player ruled out for Saturday's game. He is set to undergo surgery on Monday to "reset" his nose. At least he will miss the start of the Mavs' three-game East Coast road trip, but the team will know more about his possible return timetable afterward. Dallas has only played 22 games with Doncic and Irving available, with the number dropping to 18 when factoring in Lively. 

After a solid start to their 2023-24 campaign, the Mavs' standings outlook has taken hits as the injury concerns have persisted in recent months. Dallas enters Saturday's game with a 26-22 record, ranking eighth in the Western Conference standings.