Mavericks vs. Clippers Wednesday NBA injury report, odds, props: Kyrie Irving set at 27.5 points in Dallas debut without Luka Doncic, Mavs taking heavy futures action

When the Brooklyn Nets finalized their trade of All-Star guard Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, there wasn't enough time for Irving to make his debut that night with Dallas. He will suit up on Wednesday – albeit without Luka Doncic – in Los Angeles against the Clippers, who also pursued Irving. He is set at over/under 27.5 points at Caesars Sportsbook with Dallas an 8-point underdog.

Irving was averaging 27.1 points, 5.3 assists and 5.1 rebounds for Brooklyn and thus became the first player in NBA history to average at least 25/5/5 but change teams midseason. Irving was also named an Eastern Conference All-Star starter, but the NBA hasn't said yet how it will address that (Dallas plays in the West). The captain's draft format alleviates the pressure there somewhat, as it doesn't much matter which conference Irving is in. The last player selected as an All-Star starter who went on to play for another team that season was Carmelo Anthony in 2010-11.

Dallas is taking a big risk. Irving, who practiced with the Mavs on Tuesday, quickly wore out his welcome in Brooklyn, Boston and Cleveland and can become a free agent this summer. He could then potentially sign with the L.A. Lakers, the team he wanted to be traded to. One book already offers odds on whether Irving will demand another trade ahead of Thursday's deadline with No at -10000 and Yes at +2500, and then whether he will do again ahead of next year's deadline regardless of where he's playing. Yes is +350 and No is -600.

The Mavericks were as high as +3000 to win the NBA title last week at Caesars but are now +1400. Since the trade, Dallas has received more bets and more money to win it all than all other 29 teams combined. Specifically, the Mavericks have racked up 50.7% of the tickets and 57.9% of the handle in that span. One Iowa bettor dropped $10,100 on Mavericks +1400 for a potential win of $141,400.

"Everybody is going to be excited about a contender that gets another superstar," said Adam Pullen, Assistant Director of Trading at Caesars Sportsbook. "They saw that the Mavericks made the big splash, so they're not really looking to bet anyone else. It's what happens every time there's a trade like this. At 14/1, some may think it's too low but for others it's still attractive. Whatever you move the number to or however much you cut the odds, there will always be some people that still see value in it just because you think that team has an improved chance of winning."

Bettors will have to wait until at least Friday's game in Sacramento to see Irving and Doncic together. Doncic is still dealing with a right heel contusion. He did rejoin the Mavericks after remaining in Dallas for the first two games of the road trip, which is a good sign. Veteran forward Markieff Morris also came to Dallas in the Irving trade and should debut Wednesday, but probably won't factor too much into the rotation -- he rarely played in Brooklyn. Davis Bertans and Max Kleber remain out for the Mavs. Other than John Wall, the Clippers are healthy. 

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