The Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder meet Tuesday night in a high-stakes NBA Cup quarterfinal with a trip to the semifinals in Las Vegas on the line. The Mavericks enter riding a seven-game winning streak, having won 11 of their past 12 games. The Thunder, at 18-5, hold the best record in the Western Conference.
Kyrie Irving has been a consistent force for Dallas, averaging 24.3 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game. His ability to score efficiently will be critical against the Thunder’s top-ranked defense.
Below, let’s explore the top Kyrie Irving prop to consider on DraftKings Sportsbook for Tuesday’s matchup.
Best Kyrie Irving Prop Bet on DraftKings Sportsbook
Kyrie Irving Over 21.5 Points (-120)
Irvin has scored over 22 points in 15 of his 22 games this season, including a 25-point performance in just 25 minutes against the Washington Wizards last week, followed by a 29-point performance against the Toronto Raptors after scoring 16 in the first quarter alone. It only helps he’s had two days off since his last game.
Irving’s scoring versatility makes this prop particularly appealing. He has shown an ability to adapt to defensive schemes, allowing him to consistently produce regardless of game plans.
“If they take away the three, I’ll attack the paint or work in the mid-range,” Irving told reporters in Toronto. “It’s about reading the defense and taking what they give me. I trust my skill set to adjust and still be effective.”
The Thunder’s league-best defense has thrived on limiting open looks, but they’ll be without rim protector Chet Holmgren, sidelined with a hip injury. While Isaiah Hartenstein’s presence improves Oklahoma City’s interior defense, Irving’s midrange game and ability to finish at the rim will test the Thunder’s defensive scheme.
Irving’s shot selection and efficiency have been key to his success this season. He is averaging 3.2 three-pointers made per game while shooting 45.7% from beyond the arc.
“I try to shoot the open ones,” Irving said. “There are a few in transition early in the shot clock that I like to take when the defense is flattened, but I just try to be smart and carry over my efficiency from mid-range to the three-point line.”
Dallas’ recent stretch of balanced scoring also plays to Irving’s advantage. The Mavericks have had six or more players score in double figures in 10 of their last 11 games, reducing the likelihood of Irving facing constant double-teams. Instead, he’s effectively exploited one-on-one matchups and single coverage.
Oklahoma City may be reluctant to blitz nearly as often as what was shown in the postseason. Still, at least Irving has the necessary support to keep the defense honest when it happens without Doncic on the court.
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