Mavericks' Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II Sidelined Against Pelicans, Hopeful for Friday's Game vs. Thunder
Kyrie Irving ruled out against Pelicans due to back injury; Mavericks guard discusses recovery and return plans.
NEW ORLEANS — Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving was ruled out for Wednesday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans after initially indicating to reporters he would "most likely" play. Despite Irving's optimism, he was listed as doubtful on the injury report with a lumbar back sprain Wednesday afternoon.
“I'm most likely going to play tomorrow,” Irving told reporters after Tuesday’s 118-90 loss against the Denver Nuggets “ So just give it a go and just keep trying to get my rhythm and get back into game shape. Just go from there."
Irving's lengthy pre-game workout was on Wednesday at Smoothie King Center, but it was downgraded from doubtful to out, with this game being the second night of a back-to-back. Head coach Jason Kidd is optimistic about Irving’s outlook to return to the lineup on Friday against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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