On Monday, the Mavericks hosted the Nets for their second of two meetings in 2025-26. Dallas beat Brooklun 119-111 on December 12. Rookie Cooper Flagg led the team on Monday evening with 27 points in a 113-105 win.
The Mavs are now 15-25 this season, nine and a half games back from sixth place in the West. Through their first 40 games, Dallas has dealt with several injuries. One-time NBA champion Kyrie Irving has yet to suit up for the Mavs this season. Irving tore his ACL on March 3, 2025, and is still recovering. Recently, NBA insider Grant Afseth reported that there is a realistic chance Kyrie Irving returns after the All-Star break.
Kyrie Irving could make his return sometime after the All-Star break in mid-February
Kyrie Irving is expected to return after the All-Star break, per @DALHoopsJournal
“While the Mavericks have not publicly communicated a return timetable for Irving, sources tell https://t.co/9ddvLmNMup there has been no indication he will be shut down for the season. Instead,… pic.twitter.com/pyzp43Y39a
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 13, 2026
When Kyrie Irving makes his 2025-26 debut, it will be his 15th professional season in the NBA. It will be his fourth with the Mavericks. The 33-year-old has appeared and started in all 128 games he’s appeared in for Dallas. During the 2024-25 season, Kyrie Irving was playing extremely well for the Mavs. In 50 games, he averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals. That was enough for Irving to earn his ninth all-star selection.
Unfortunately, Kyrie Irving suffered a torn ACL on March 3 last season. He had offseason surgery, and the fear was that Irving would miss a majority of the 2025-26 season. Since then, the veteran guard has been working dilligently get back on the court. While the team has not given a return date for Irving, one NBA insider shared the latest news surrounding Irving. Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal reported that Kyrie Irving could realistically return after the All-Star break for Dallas.
A player who isn’t returning this season, wouldn’t be putting in this work!!! QUIT LYING ON MY GOATS NAME!!! KYRIE WILL BE BACK SOON! #patience pic.twitter.com/ByRfSyAWJy
— Batman’s Almost Here (@NevaMiss24) January 8, 2026
Afseth detailed that the conservative recovery timeline following an ACL tear is roughly 12 months. Irving suffered the injury on March 3, 2025. As of Tuesday, January 13, it’s been 10 months and one week since he tore his ACL. After the 2026 all-star break, it will be just shy of the 12-month mark. That’s why Gratn Afseth believes Irving will make his return in the second half of the year.
Dallas will need Kyrie Irving in the second half of the year after the latest new surrouding the team. NBA insider Shams Charania announced Tuesday that Anthony Davis will miss several months. He needs surgery to repair ligament damage in his left hand. Not ideal for Dallas. The team will continue to lean on #1 overall pick Cooper Flagg. Can the Mavs weather the storm until Kyrie Irving makes his season debut and hopefully be in playoff contention?
