Kyrie Irving has yet to play a game for the Dallas Mavericks this season, but a significant update on his recovery from a torn ACL has brought both optimism and uncertainty to a team trying to scrape its way out of the Western Conference basement.

The nine-time All-Star is still working back from the left knee injury that ended his 2024–25 season in March. Before the setback, Irving averaged 24.7 points on 47.3% shooting, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 steals, while hitting 2.9 threes per game on 40.1% shooting.

Irving signed a three-year, $119 million extension in the offseason after declining his 2025–26 player option, a deal that runs through 2028 and includes a player option for 2027–28.

On Monday, ESPN’s Marc J. Spears reported that Irving is accelerating toward a return and has made substantial progress behind the scenes.

“Kyrie’s looking good, he’s ahead of schedule,” Spears said. “He’s working out with the purpose of playing this season.”

According to Spears, an optimistic timeline places Irving’s debut in late January or around the All-Star break in mid-February. One assessment from Irving’s camp suggested he may already be capable of playing if postseason stakes were involved. The reporting for many months from DallasHoopsJournal.com has mentioned optimism about a return before the All-Star break.

“Someone close to him told me that if it were the playoffs, he could play right now,” Spears continued. “That’s [how] ahead of schedule he is.”

Potential Dilemma If Irving Is Physically Ready

Irving’s push to return could collide with the Mavericks’ realities in the standings. At 4–10, Dallas enters Monday 13th in the Western Conference. Anthony Davis remains out with a left calf strain and does not have a firm return date, though he appears to be nearing his comeback.

Spears noted that the team must weigh Irving’s health progress against their competitive outlook once late January approaches.

“But the problem is, who’s running the show, right? What’s their record going to be? Will Anthony Davis be back?” Spears said. “I think by the time he’s able to potentially come back in late-January, there’s going to be a collective decision from him, from the team, from everybody that’s close to him on whether it’s worth for him to come back or not.”

Despite the uncertainty, Spears made one thing clear:

“But I hear he wants to be back and he’s ready.”

Mavericks Face Timberwolves After Emotional OT Win

Dallas visits Minnesota on Monday night after defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 138–133 in overtime. P.J. Washington and Cooper Flagg each scored 21 points, helping the Mavericks snap a three-game losing streak.

The Mavericks also shot 44.1% from three (15-of-34), their second game in three outings with at least 15 made threes. Washington hit five of seven from deep in his return from a shoulder issue. Daniel Gafford continued his steady ramp-up, logging a season-high 31 minutes and averaging 13 points and 7.8 rebounds during the recent homestand.

Minnesota (8–5) has become one of the most consistent teams in the West, reaching the conference finals in each of the previous two seasons. Led by Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, the Timberwolves have won six of their last eight games, though they are coming off a 123–112 loss to the Denver Nuggets Saturday.

Few franchises have experienced more “bad timing” in NBA history, as the Timberwolves continue striving for a breakthrough while the Oklahoma City Thunder surge toward another dominant campaign.

Dallas has struggled in the matchup historically, losing seven of the last 10 meetings. Monday begins a brief one-game trip before the Mavericks return home for a three-game stretch beginning Wednesday against Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks.

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