Irving set for Mavericks debut without injured Doncic

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kyrie Irving is in the starting lineup for his debut with the Dallas Mavericks against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The eight-time All-Star was traded to the Mavs on Sunday from the Brooklyn Nets.

Irving won’t be playing alongside Mavs superstar Luka Doncic, at least to start. Doncic missed his third straight game Wednesday night because of a right heel contusion.

Irving hasn't played in a week. He scored 20 points in Brooklyn's loss at Boston on Feb. 1 and soon after asked for a trade. The Nets quickly unloaded him, ending a drama-filled tenure that began in 2019.

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