Is Kyrie Irving playing? Full injury report for Blazers vs. Mavs

The Portland Trail Blazers face the Dallas Mavericks tonight looking for a second straight win. Portland is coming off a win over the New Orleans Pelicans earlier in the week.

However, Dallas will be without some key players in this game. One of them is star point guard Kyrie Irving. Irving has been ruled out as he is dealing with a lumbar sprain.

In addition to Irving, Dallas will also be missing several others. Star guard Luke Doncic is also left out. Guard Danté Exum is out, as is Kessler Edwards

Center Daniel Gafford was listed as questionable with a sprained left ankle.

With the Mavericks lacking their two-star players, the Trail Blazers have a chance to pull out the win. However, this Dallas team doesn’t back down and simply beats the Los Angeles Lakers without their two best players.

The Mavericks reached the NBA Finals a year ago and have a very talented team. Portland will have to be at their best if they want to win this game.

The Trail Blazers will be without veteran forward Jerami Grant in this game. Grant is out with an injury and his absence leaves a big hole in Portland’s system for the competition.

Center Robert Williams III was also listed as questionable for the game, potentially leaving Portland further shorthanded. Williams III returned to the lineup against the Pelicans and had a direct impact on the win.

Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups spoke after the game about Williams III’s impact. Williams III finished the game with 16 points and four rebounds to help secure the win.

“He just makes a difference,” Billups said. “He really is. His feel for the game, his instincts are at a high, high, high level. His IQ is at a high, high, high level.”

The Trail Blazers will move on in this game, but they believe they can come out victorious. The Trail Blazers have a 13-23 record this year and are currently in 13th place in the Western Conference.

More Trail Blazers:The Blazers’ Scoot Henderson is one of the players who has shown minimal progress this season

“Blazers big man could be a ‘realistic’ target for the Lakers”

Blazers Notes: Chauncey Billups Ovation, Latest on Jermai Grant, Odds at 3-time All-Star