The Mavericks have recently navigated life without Luka Doncic, who sustained a left calf strain on Christmas Day. With Irving and Doncic out on Friday, Quentin Grimes stepped up in a playmaking role with 26 points, six assists and two rebounds.

Kyrie Irving sat out the Dallas Mavericks' game Friday night against NBA-leading Cleveland because of illness, joining fellow All-Star guard Luka Doncic on the sideline. Doncic strained his left calf in a Christmas Day loss to Minnesota.

Kyrie Irving has been ruled out for Friday's content as a late scratch with an illness. This would've been a big game for Irving going against his former team, but instead, he'll be sidelined. READ MORE: Previewing Cavaliers' Lineup for Mavericks January Matchup The Cavaliers drafted Irving,