Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II received injury updates for the Mavericks' game on Monday against the Hornets.

Kyrie Irving — an expert in rivalries — agreed that the Thunder and Mavericks have become arch-nemesis. “It’s personal. I think it’s the start of a healthy rivalry," Irving said. "... We’re gonna be seeing them a lot over the next few years so it’s good that you set the precedent now what it’s gonna be like.

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, who has been sidelined since Jan. 1 with a back injury, returned to action in Tuesday’s home game against the Denver Nuggets. Irving finished with 11 points (on 4-for-18 shooting), four rebounds, two assists and four steals in Dallas’ 118-99 loss.

Dallas Mavericks face a challenge in their Monday game against the Charlotte Hornets due to key injuries. Kyrie Irving’s status is critical with Luka Doncic already ruled out. Despite playing a weaker Hornets team,

Kyrie Irving may have returned to the court Friday to help the Dallas Mavericks defeat top-seeded Oklahoma City, but his ongoing back injury will require rest in some instances. Irving missing Wednesday’s controversial loss to the New Orleans Pelicans was an example of him taking a night off to manage a bulging disc in his back.