Kyrie Irving showed up on the Mavericks' injury report for the first time this offseason on Sunday, tagged day-to-day with a left knee issue. He is expected to be fully healthy by Oct. 1, more than a week before Dallas plays Houston on Oct. 9.
What happened
The Mavericks listed Kyrie Irving as day-to-day on their Sunday, Sept. 6 injury report, with the issue described as a left knee and leg problem. There was no previous status attached, so this is his first appearance on the report this offseason. Christian Clark of The New York Times reported that Irving should be fully healthy by the end of the offseason. The report lists an expected return date of Oct. 1. No further detail on the injury's origin or severity was included.
What it means for the Mavericks
Dallas next plays Houston on Oct. 9, and an Oct. 1 return would have Irving cleared well before that game. The Mavericks have not played a regular-season game yet this season, so there is no record to weigh with or without him. In games Irving has missed, Cooper Flagg averaged 33.5 minutes and 21.0 points, Anthony Davis played 31.3 minutes and scored 20.4 points, and P.J. Washington logged 31.0 minutes and 14.2 points. Backcourt minutes went to Max Christie, Brandon Williams and Klay Thompson, who played 29.1, 22.2 and 21.7 minutes without him.
What to watch
The Mavericks will update Irving's status on their next injury report. His expected return date is Oct. 1, the date attached to this listing. Dallas plays Houston on Oct. 9, giving him more than a week of margin if that timeline holds. Dereck Lively II (right foot and leg) and Santi Aldama (right knee) are also day-to-day on the same report.
Is Kyrie Irving playing vs Rockets?
He has not been ruled out. Irving is listed day-to-day, not out, and his expected return date of Oct. 1 falls more than a week before Dallas plays Houston on Oct. 9.
When will Kyrie Irving be back?
The Mavericks' injury report lists an expected return date of Oct. 1. Christian Clark of The New York Times reported Irving should be fully healthy by the end of the offseason.