The Dallas Mavericks’ season has taken a catastrophic turn with the news that star guard Kyrie Irving has suffered a torn ACL in his left knee, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. The injury occurred during a matchup against the Sacramento Kings when Irving landed awkwardly after contact, forcing him to exit the game. While the 31-year-old point guard managed to shoot his free throws before leaving, MRI results later confirmed the devastating news.
This injury not only impacts Irving’s immediate future but also shakes up the Mavericks’ playoff chances, as they already face a precarious situation in the Western Conference standings.
What Kyrie Irving’s ACL Tear Means for His Future
A torn ACL typically requires 6-9 months of recovery, making it unlikely that Irving will be ready for the start of the 2025-26 NBA season. Given his history of injuries and time off, this raises questions about his long-term durability and the Mavericks’ investment in him.
Dallas signed Irving to a three-year, $126 million deal last offseason, banking on him to complement Luka Dončić. Now, with another long-term injury, the franchise must reevaluate its reliance on Irving as a centerpiece moving forward.
Dallas Mavericks’ Playoff Chances: Can They Survive Without Kyrie?
Before Irving’s injury, the Mavericks were already teetering on the edge of playoff contention, holding the 10th seed in the Western Conference with a 32-30 record. Their position in the NBA Play-In Tournament is now in serious jeopardy.
Luka Dončić Trade Fallout Hurts Even More
The Mavericks had already stunned the NBA world by trading Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis—a move that has quickly backfired. Davis, who has been sidelined with a groin injury, has yet to make a significant impact in Dallas, leaving the team without its two biggest stars.
With both Irving and Davis out, the Mavericks’ depth is dangerously thin, and their ability to compete for a playoff spot is in serious doubt.
How Kyrie Irving’s Injury Affects Betting Odds
Irving’s injury has sent shockwaves through sportsbooks, causing a massive shift in the Mavericks’ championship odds. Before the injury, Dallas was considered a dark-horse contender, but now:
- FanDuel has moved the Mavericks to +25000 to win the title.
- BetMGM has lengthened their championship odds to +20000, reflecting a near-zero chance of winning the NBA Finals.
- Their odds to make the playoffs have also plummeted, with sportsbooks now favoring other teams in the Play-In race.
What’s Next for the Mavericks?
With Irving out, Davis still recovering, and no Luka to save them, the Mavericks must rely on role players like Tim Hardaway Jr., P.J. Washington, and Jaden Hardy to stay afloat. But with the West being highly competitive, their chances of even making the Play-In Tournament are dwindling.
Did the Mavericks Just Kill Their Own Future?
The combination of trading Dončić, losing Irving, and struggling without Davis has led many analysts to call Dallas’ recent moves one of the worst front-office decisions in NBA history. If the Mavericks fail to make the playoffs, it could force the franchise into a complete rebuild.
Kyrie Irving’s ACL tear has not only ended his season but potentially crushed the Mavericks’ playoff dreams. With Luka gone, Davis injured, and no reliable superstar to lead them, Dallas may be looking at one of the most disastrous stretches in franchise history.
For bettors, this means fading the Mavericks in futures markets and looking at Western Conference rivals as better playoff bets. Unless a miracle happens, this season might already be over for Dallas.
- FanDuel has moved the Mavericks to +25000 to win the title.
- BetMGM has lengthened their championship odds to +20000, reflecting a near-zero chance of winning the NBA Finals.
- Their odds to make the playoffs have also plummeted, with sportsbooks now favoring other teams in the Play-In race.
What’s Next for the Mavericks?
With Irving out, Davis still recovering, and no Luka to save them, the Mavericks must rely on role players like Tim Hardaway Jr., P.J. Washington, and Jaden Hardy to stay afloat. But with the West being highly competitive, their chances of even making the Play-In Tournament are dwindling.
Did the Mavericks Just Kill Their Own Future?
The combination of trading Dončić, losing Irving, and struggling without Davis has led many analysts to call Dallas' recent moves one of the worst front-office decisions in NBA history. If the Mavericks fail to make the playoffs, it could force the franchise into a complete rebuild.
Kyrie Irving’s ACL tear has not only ended his season but potentially crushed the Mavericks’ playoff dreams. With Luka gone, Davis injured, and no reliable superstar to lead them, Dallas may be looking at one of the most disastrous stretches in franchise history.
For bettors, this means fading the Mavericks in futures markets and looking at Western Conference rivals as better playoff bets. Unless a miracle happens, this season might already be over for Dallas.
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