Kyrie Irving Questionable as Mavericks Face Cavaliers in Key NBA Matchup

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Dallas Mavericks face uncertainty as star guard Kyrie Irving is listed as questionable with a shoulder injury ahead of their Sunday matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The game, scheduled for 3:30 PM ET on February 2, could see Irving sidelined after he scored a team-high 28 points in Friday’s loss to the Detroit Pistons.

The Mavericks (26-23) are already dealing with multiple injuries, including Luka Doncic (calf), Dereck Lively (ankle), and Maxi Kleber (foot), all ruled out for Sunday’s game. Irving’s potential absence would further strain the team, which may rely on Spencer Dinwiddie, Jaden Hardy, Quentin Grimes, and Dante Exum to fill the void.

Meanwhile, the Cavaliers (39-9) are coming off a dominant 137-115 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday, led by Darius Garland‘s 26 points. Cleveland has its own injury concerns, with Dean Wade (knee) and Isaac Okoro (shoulder) ruled out, while Caris LeVert (wrist) and Craig Porter Jr. (illness) are listed as questionable.

Betting odds favor the Cavaliers by 12.5 points, with the total set at 236.5. The Mavericks, struggling with injuries, face an uphill battle against one of the league’s top teams.

Irving, a one-time NBA champion, has been a key contributor for Dallas this season. His potential absence could significantly impact the team’s offensive production. “If Kyrie can’t go, we’ll need everyone to step up,” said Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd. “We have depth, and this is an opportunity for other guys to show what they can do.”

The Cavaliers, riding a strong season, aim to maintain their momentum. “We’re focused on our game plan and executing regardless of who’s on the court,” said Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff. “Dallas is a talented team, and we can’t take them lightly.”

Fans can catch the game live on Fubo, a streaming service offering access to NBA games and other live sports. For fantasy basketball enthusiasts, platforms like FanDuel and RotoWire provide tools to stay engaged throughout the season.