SACRAMENTO — The Dallas Mavericks will be short two more superstars for Monday’s game against the Sacramento Kings.

Kyrie Irving was downgraded to out for the team’s final game of 2024 because of right shoulder soreness. Shortly before tip-off, the team ruled Klay Thompson out due to illness.

Monday’s game marks Irving’s fourth absence of the season because of right shoulder soreness. Dallas is 1-2 in games without Irving.

The Mavericks will be without Irving and Thompson, but a key starter is back in the lineup.

P.J. Washington will return after a one-game suspension for his role in a physical altercation with Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic. Although Dereck Lively II, who missed the last two games with a left hip contusion, was upgraded to questionable Monday, he was also ruled out before the game began.

The Mavericks are already without Naji Marshall (league suspension) for the next three games and Luka Doncic, who was officially ruled out for the next month Friday with a left calf strain.

Irving exploded for 46 points in Friday’s loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd recently stressed the importance of keeping Irving fresh while Doncic is out.

“The big picture is always in focus,” Kidd said. “Running Kai up over 40 minutes, that puts us in a different situation. We have to lean on our leader to help us, but that doesn’t mean running his minutes up to 40, 42, to find a way to win.

“We believe we have other guys that can eat minutes and play at a high level and will have that opportunity with Luka out.”

Irving is averaging 24.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists with efficient shooting splits of 48% from the field, 44% from the 3-point line and 90% from the free-throw line.

The Mavericks are currently on a four-game road trip, which concludes Wednesday in Houston. Irving has yet to miss two consecutive games so it’s possible that he will return against the Rockets.

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