Game 62: Indiana Pacers (34-28) vs. Dallas Mavericks (34-27)

[Smitty]

Really feels like Kleber and Irving cannot handle more than a few games in a row. Kleber had an incredible run after his return from injury but looks slower than he did just two weeks ago.
Kyrie was incredible in february but the last three games were a disaster on the defensive end and sloppy on offense.

Overall team performance isn't helping them because they aren't getting any breaks and are desperately needed to prevent a complete collapse but I wouldn't be suprised if they miss more than just 1-2 games in the next few weeks.

Kyrie is better than KP ever was but when it comes to durability it is the same story. And Kleber is still the same old Kleber. On a good team he would probably get the Iggy treatment. Bubble wrapped during the regular season. Playing starter minutes in the playoffs.
But the Mavs aren't in a position where they can afford to give both of them extended rest. And it feels like they are running both of them into the ground. Something that we already saw in past seasons (Bullock and DFS after the WCF, Luka post allstar break last season).

Yep. It's good to see someone else talking about this. It's a real issue. Maxi can't hold up to an NBA season, certainly not 20+ MPG. Kyrie is just as injury prone and if/when he plays against Miami, it will be his 14th consecutive game played. Something he hasn't done since the 2017-2018 season.

Also, the starting lineup plays roughly 12 of the 48 minutes each game. That is a problem. For comparison, Pacers starting 5 plays ~26 minutes a night together.