For the umpteenth time, Kyrie Irving was at the center of the NBA discourse after he made an unexpected trade request out of Brooklyn on Friday. Rumors swirled and fake trades floated throughout the internet over the weekend. But by Monday, Irving officially became a Dallas Maverick.
The Mavs took the floor that night in Salt Lake City without Irving (or Luka Doncic) and handled the Utah Jazz. Wednesday, they get to show off their new toy.
Irving will make his debut with the Mavs in Los Angeles when they take on the Clippers. The Clippers-Mavs games always pack a punch, and tonight shouldn’t be any different with the addition of Irving.
Here’s how to make the most on Kyrie’s props as he dons a Mavericks jersey for the first time.
Kyrie Irving - Over 27.5 Points
Have you watched Kyrie Irving this season? If you have, you’ll realize he resembles the players he’s been throughout his entire career — a score-first guard who is extremely efficient on high volume. He’s averaging at least 26.9 points per game for the fourth season in a row (27.1 ppg this season) and will have the ball in his hand quite often on Wednesday night as Luka Doncic has been ruled out with a heel injury.
Also, have you watched the Clippers’ defense lately? If you have, you’ve seen Brooklyn’s Cam Thomas, New York’s Jalen Brunson and Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo all score at least 40 points against LA (54 for Giannis). Twenty-eight or more for Irving should be a piece of cake.
Kyrie Irving - Over 2.5 Threes
So, we’ve already established that Kyrie is going to score a lot of points. But how will he do it? Lots of iso-ball, some pick-and-roll offense, and surely by way of the 3-point line.
Irving isn’t necessarily considered a 3-point specialist, but the numbers indicate he is. He’s quietly averaged at least 2.5 makes per game over the past seven seasons and shot above 40.0 percent in five. Getting to three makes on Wednesday night shouldn’t be all that tough for him to do.
Kyrie Irving - Over 2.5 Turnovers
Is Kyrie a good offensive player? Yes. Is he flawless? No, nobody is. And with how often he has the basketball in his hands, mistakes are bound to happen. It’s how he’s ended up with three or more turnovers in four of his last five games. Don’t be surprised if he hits that mark against the Clippers as he tries to learn how to play with his new teammates.
