Is Kyrie Irving playing tonight against Denver Nuggets? Latest injury update for star guard (Jan. 14)

The Dallas Mavericks are steadily heading towards getting healthy with each day, and Kyrie Irving's return could tip things off. The star point guard is in contention to make his comeback after two weeks. Irving has dealt with a lumbar back sprain since, missing five games. Dallas, already without Luka Doncic in that span, went 2-3.

Ahead of Tuesday's matchup against the Denver Nuggets, Irving is available to play after being listed as questionable. It's the first time he's received a status upgrade since his injury. According to Sportskeeda's Grant Afseth, Irving practiced on Monday and was a full participant, suggesting his return is imminent vs. the Nuggets.

Kyrie Irving will likely suit up on Wednesday also for the second night of a back-to-back against the New Orleans Pelicans. However, coming off a lengthy injury absence, the Mavericks will likely play him in only one of the two games.

Kyrie Irving stats vs. Denver Nuggets

Kyrie Irving has averaged 24.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 6.2 assists against the Denver Nuggets in 21 games. He's shot 49.6%, including 41.5% from 3. Irving played two of the three previous games between the Mavericks and Nuggets this season. He averaged 31.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 5.5 apg on 59/50/100 splits. The Mavericks won one of those games.

Irving had 19 points, six rebounds and six assists in that Nov. 22 matchup, which ended 123-120 in the Mavericks' favor. He didn't have the most efficient games, shooting a measly 7 of 19, but Irving impacted the game with his playmaking and in other areas.

The Mavericks are down 2-1 in the season series after dropping their last game against the Nuggets in Irving and Doncic's absence on Sunday, losing 112-101. Klay Thompson scored 25 points, but it wasn't enough to upset Denver, with Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook handling business for the 2023 champions.

Where to watch Denver Nuggets vs. Dallas Mavericks game?

TNT and TruTV will nationally televise the Denver Nuggets vs. Dallas Mavericks game. Altitude and KFAA will provide coverage in the local regions. Viewers outside the U.S. can catch live action online via NBA League Pass. The game begins at 9:30 p.m. ET.