The Dallas Mavericks traveled to Sacramento to take on the Kings in the Western Conference 9-10 matchup of the NBA's play-in tournament on Wednesday. On NBA Countdown before the play-in double header began on ESPN, Shams Charania joined the show to give an update on Kyrie Irving.

Kyrie Irving could be back earlier than expected, which is some much-needed good news for a down on their luck Mavericks franchise.

Irving is one of the best guards of his generation with a resume that includes a championship, nine All-Star nods, a Rookie of the Year and three All-NBA selections. He will be the leader of the team's backcourt once he does return, especially since Dončić is no longer on the roster. And that return is expected in January.