Is Kyrie Irving playing tonight against Hornets? Latest injury update on Mavericks’ star ahead of matchup (March 24, 2023)

Dallas Mavericks v Memphis Grizzlies
Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks

Kyrie Irving missed the Dallas Mavericks' 127-125 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday (Mar. 22). Irving suffered a minor foot injury in their previous game against the Memphis Grizzlies, which was bad enough to rule him out for the Golden State outing

So, is Irving playing tonight (Friday, Mar. 24) when Dallas takes on the Charlotte Hornets at the American Airlines Center? The Mavs' latest injury report has listed Irving as questionable due to right foot soreness. That means the star guard will likely go through Friday's shootaround before the medical staff can clear him.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd told reporters on Thursday (Mar. 23( that Irving did some individual workouts during practice. Kidd is hopeful that the eight-time All-Star will be available against the Hornets.

"Everybody did their work today so hopefully he feels good to go tomorrow," Kidd said.

Irving's injury came at the most unfortunate time for the Dallas Mavericks. They already played several games earlier this month without Luka Doncic. They're on a two-game losing streak and are eighth in the Western Conference with a 36-37 record.

The Mavericks have the same record as the New Orleans Pelicans, LA Lakers and OKC Thunder. They're also just half a game ahead of the Utah Jazz. Every game is important for Dallas at the moment, and they have two very winnable games on Friday and Sunday (Mar. 26), both against the Hornets.

Charlotte has the fourth-worst record in the NBA. They're already thin following their loss to the Pelicans on Thursday. Kelly Oubre Jr., Terry Rozier and Dennis Smith Jr. suffered injuries and were out for the rest of the game. It might be the most obvious tankjob of the season so far.

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Will Kyrie Irving stay in Dallas after the season?

Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks
Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks

Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Irving was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets before the trade deadline. The Mavericks parted ways with an unprotected first-round pick, two second-round picks, Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith.

Irving has been great for the Mavericks since his arrival, but it would all be for naught if they don't make the postseason. That also increases the possibility of Irving leaving Dallas and signing with a different team this summer.

However, NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Substack that the Mavericks are open to signing Kyrie Irving to a new contract. Stein also noted that there's pressure in the organization given their playoff run last season.

"The early signals emanating from Mavsland suggest that a multi-year deal for Irving is certainly feasible, but the general uncertainty stemming from his free-agent-to-be status creates a layer of pressure felt at all levels by Dallas," Stein wrote.

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Edited by Juan Paolo David