Dallas Basketball

Mavericks see an unsurprising decrease in championship odds after Kyrie Irving injury

The Mavericks are a closer contender for first overall pick than they are for a title.
Keenan Womack|
Feb 27, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) reacts after scoring against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Feb 27, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) reacts after scoring against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Dallas Mavericks

In the midst of a horrendous stretch for Mavericks players and fans, the catalyst of which was the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis swap with the LA Lakers, the news for the franchise continues to get worse and worse. Dallas' rash decision to deal Doncic has had effects on the rest of the team as well, including co-star Kyrie Irving, who suffered a torn ACL on Monday night against the Sacramento Kings.

While injuries can be freak accidents, there is no doubt that Irving's minutes have increased since the deal contributed to his ACL tear. As a result, the franchise is in further disarray than it was even a month ago.

READ MORE: Kyrie Irving sends encouraging message to Mavericks fans after season-ending injury

With that comes the inevitable drop in championship odds – not that they were strong to begin with, but they went from +6500 to +8000 according to DraftKings Sportsbook since the news broke that Irving would miss the remainder of the season. Coming off of their NBA Finals appearance last year, the Mavericks were around +1000 to win it all this year, and in just one month, have gone from a relative favorite to a team that has a very good shot of missing the playoffs altogether.

As of right now, the Mavericks are sitting at a 10-seed, the final play-in spot. How quickly things can change from just a few months ago when Dallas was in conversations to compete for a championship. They are back in action at Milwaukee on March 5 but will be without Irving, Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, Dante Exum, PJ Washington, Jaden Hardy, and Caleb Martin.

The nightmare continues for Dallas fans.

READ MORE: Kyrie Irving suffers serious injury in Mavericks-Kings

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Keenan Womack
KEENAN WOMACK

Keenan Womack is a sportswriter native to Dallas, Texas, who has spent the last 12 years in Austin, the home of his alma mater, the University of Texas. Keenan has covered sports for SB Nation, Bleacher Report, Rivals/Orangebloods, a host of his own sites and now, Fan Nation. Focusing on basketball, Keenan was on the beat for the Longhorns hoops team for the last two-and-a-half years before moving on to pursue other opportunities. He is married and lives with his wife close to the Moody Center, so they can continue to catch games together.

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