In a significant development for the Dallas Mavericks, star guard Kyrie Irving is set to return to the lineup for their upcoming game against the Indiana Pacers. Irving had been sidelined since January 1 due to a lower back injury but has now been cleared to play.
Irving’s return comes at a crucial time for the Mavericks, who have struggled in his absence, posting a 2-3 record over the five games he missed. Prior to his injury, Irving was averaging 24.3 points and 4.9 assists per game, showcasing his importance to the team’s offensive dynamics.
On the other side, the Indiana Pacers will be facing challenges of their own, as two of their key players are expected to miss the game. All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton has been ruled out due to injury management related to back soreness. Haliburton has been instrumental for the Pacers this season, averaging 18.5 points, 9.0 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game across 62 contests.
Additionally, forward Pascal Siakam is also expected to miss the matchup due to personal reasons. Since joining Indiana in a midseason trade, Siakam has been a key contributor, averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 52.6% from the field and a career-best 39.6% from three-point range in 66 games this season.
The absence of Haliburton and Siakam poses a significant challenge for the Pacers, who are currently in a tight race for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference. Their depth will be tested as they look to compensate for the loss of two primary playmakers.
