Is Kyrie Irving playing tonight against Sacramento Kings? | February 10, 2023 | 2022-23 NBA Season

Newly acquired Dallas Mavericks All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving is set to play his second game for his new team on Friday (February 10) against the Sacramento Kings.

That comes after his impressive debut for the shorthanded Mavs in their 110-104 road win over the LA Clippers on Wednesday night. Irving finished with a team-high 24 points, four rebounds, five assists, one steal, one block and four 3-pointers on 52.9% shooting.

Following the game, Irving spoke about how good it felt to suit up for Dallas for the first time:

“It felt good to get this debut out of the way. It's just been a long 96 hours, barely any sleep sometimes. It's the first time I ever got traded in the middle of the season, so it was new for me, but I'm excited that I'm here."

Irving also spoke about how he was just trying to play sound team basketball:

“The most important thing that we stressed as a team was just don't force the ball to me. We just want to play natural basketball. You don't always have to come to me. You can play off me, I can play off the ball, I can cut."

Kyrie Irving's debut impressed Mavs coach Jason Kidd, who raved about how skilled the star point guard is:

“He makes things look easy. The comfort level he feels with us, you could see it in the game. He is at peace with his basketball game."

With their win on Wednesday, Dallas improved to 30-26 and fourth in the Western Conference. The Mavs are now just two games behind the Kings (31-23), who are third in the West. So tonight’s matchup could prove to be crucial in terms of playoff seeding.

After this game, the Mavs and Kings will have a rematch in Sacramento again tomorrow. So the Mavs will have two opportunities to gain some ground on the Kings in the standings.

The Mavericks and Kings will face off for the first time this season, with Dallas winning their season series 3-1 last year. However, both teams have experienced extensive roster turnovers since then. So it will be a whole different matchup on Friday night.

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Will Luka Doncic suit up alongside Kyrie Irving tonight?

Dallas Mavericks superstar guard Luka Doncic

While Kyrie Irving may not be listed on the Dallas Maverick’s injury report ahead of Friday night's game, his new co-star Luka Doncic still is.

Doncic, who has missed the last three games due to a right heel contusion, is listed as questionable to play tonight. If Doncic is able to suit up, it will mark his first game playing alongside Irving. Irving spoke about his excitement to play with Doncic following the midweek win:

“I'm sure when No. 77 gets back, it'll be even more enjoyable to see and play out there."

The Mavericks are 2-7 without Doncic this season and 28-19 with him. However, they have now won two straight games with the Slovenian sidelined, including Kyrie Irving’s debut game.

Nonetheless, the Mavs will be thrilled if their superstar makes his return on Friday night.