With Luka Doncic missing his 10th straight game with a left calf strain and projected to remain out through at least late January, Irving is Dallas’ best chance of remaining afloat in Western Conference amid a roaring rapids stretch of games.

Jan 12, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) brings the ball up court against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks may soon see one of their top NBA stars back on the floor. Kyrie Irving, who has been out since New Year’s Day due to a lingering back injury, was upgraded to “questionable” for Tuesday’s matchup against the Denver Nuggets,

Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving returned for Tuesday night's home game against the Denver Nuggets. Irving, who is averaging 24.3 points and 4.9 assists per game this season, was sidelined the past week because of a lower back injury.

The Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets are facing off again on Tuesday night after playing each other on Sunday as well. The Nuggets defeated Dallas on Sunday by final score of 112-101, and are looking for a similar outcome on Tuesday night.

Dereck Lively II exited Tuesday’s Denver Nuggets-Dallas Mavericks game with a right ankle sprain. The Mavs announced before the second quarter that Lively will not return to the game. Lively has played a pivotal role in the Mavs’ recent success,