Kings-Mavericks gameday: Will Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving suit up together for first time?
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving will suit up together for the first time when the Dallas Mavericks visit the Kings on Friday night at Golden 1 Center. Or will they?
Doncic has missed the past three games due to a right heel contusion. He is listed as questionable against the Kings. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Doncic is expected to return to the lineup Friday, but following Friday’s morning shootaround Doncic told reporters his return would likely come Saturday when the Mavericks play the Kings on the second night of a back-to-back.
The Mavericks acquired Irving earlier this week in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets. Irving had 24 points, four rebounds and five assists in a 110-104 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday in his Dallas debut.
The Kings (31-23) will face the Mavericks (30-26) twice before visiting the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday in the final game before the All-Star break. The Suns just acquired Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade with the Nets, but Durant has been out with a knee injury and won’t return until after the All-Star break.
The Kings are third in the Western Conference, two games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the No. 2 seed. The Mavericks and Suns are tied for fourth, just two games behind the Kings.
Ruled out
Doncic was officially ruled out following the morning shootaround. He has emerged as an MVP candidate this season while averaging 33.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 8.2 assists. The Mavericks are 2-7 in nine games without him this season.
Mavericks at Kings
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Golden 1 Center
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: Kings -2.0
Over/under: 234
Injury report
Mavericks: QUESTIONABLE — Luka Doncic (calf). OUT — Davis Bertans (calf); Maxi Kleber (hamstring).
Kings: OUT — KZ Okpala (G League); Neemias Queta (G League).
Upcoming schedule
Feb. 10 vs. Dallas Mavericks
Feb. 11 vs. Dallas Mavericks
Feb. 14 at Phoenix Suns
Feb. 23 vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Feb. 24 at Los Angeles Clippers
This story was originally published February 10, 2023 at 10:01 AM.
