Mavs Injury Updates: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving Will Play vs. Nets; Latest on Dereck Lively II
BROOKLYN — When the Dallas Mavericks take on the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, it'll be the second night of a back-to-back as they are coming off a 118-102 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Luka Doncic (nasal contusion), Kyrie Irving (right thumb sprain), and Maxi Kleber (right small toe dislocation) will play against the Nets after being on the injury report. Dereck Lively II (nasal fracture) and Dante Exum (right knee bursitis) were ruled out.
The Mavs originally listed Doncic as questionable to play after entering his previous performance as questionable, but instead, due to right ankle soreness. He was struck in the face in the second quarter of Monday's game, which is likely the cause of this designation entering the matchup against the Nets.
Doncic was considered a game-time decision after the pre-game medical update was provided. He had to test out wearing a mask during his workout but removed it before he finished. He was later designated as available to play.
Irving, who was probable to play against the Nets, was always expected to play as he continues to work through a right thumb sprain. He returned from a six-game injury absence on Monday, finishing with 23 points, eight assists, and five rebounds in 35 minutes. Maxi Kleber is also considered probable to play in Brooklyn.
"Feels good to get that game out the way," Irving said after Monday's game. "I got hit a few times, but, hey, that's that's what comes with being out there ready to battle with guys. Good to just get a rhythm, get this win, get this road trip started, and get prepared for Brooklyn tomorrow."
The Mavs need all of the games played with Doncic and Irving together as they can manage, considering how limited the opportunities there have been this season caused by injuries. The two have played only 23 out of 50 possible games during Dallas' current campaign.
Lively was already known to be ruled out against the Nets since he told reporters at a recent practice that he will be undergoing surgery in Dallas to reset his nose, scheduled for the same day as this game. His surgery went well, but it remains to be seen when he returns to the lineup.
Before facing the Nets, Mavs coach Jason Kidd told reporters that Lively is unlikely to join the team during their three-game road trip, which ends on Wednesday against the New York Knicks.
There continues to be no update on Exum's possible return to competition, but he did work out during the team's shootaround in Philadelphia. He's appeared in only three games since the start of January after initially dealing with a right plantar sprain and right knee bursitis.
