Wednesday’s NBA action features several contenders in action – and a ton of road favorites – including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks

Irving entered the night just three points shy of the threshold with 17,997 career points. After a pair of free throws, he maneuvered into the paint and connected on a midrange jumper at the 7:17 mark of the first quarter. He finished with 38 points despite another loss for the injury-riddled Mavericks.

The Dallas Mavericks had an early tip to start Martin Luther King Jr. Day against the Charlotte Hornets, entering the game wildly short-handed. Dallas was without Luka Doncic, Dereck Lively II, Quentin Grimes, Dante Exum, Dwight Powell, and Jaden Hardy, while Charlotte was missing Brandon Miller, Tre Mann, and Grant Williams.

Dallas Mavericks point guard showered LaMelo Ball with praise after the Charlotte Hornets beat the Mavericks 110-105.

Dallas Mavericks star guard Kyrie Irving eclipsed a career milestone in Wednesday’s game against the Timberwolves when he scored the 18,000th point of his sterling NBA career.

Irving is listed on the injury report as he continues to deal with a lumbar back sprain. Meanwhile, Dereck Lively II (right ankle sprain), Luka Doncic (left calf strain) and Dante Exum (right wrist surgery) are all out for Friday's game. It is worth noting that Mavs head coach Jason Kidd previously said he expects Irving to play on Friday.

Mavericks star Kyrie Irving gave his honest thoughts about the trade with the Nets that brought him to Dallas.