NBA: Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving out due to bulging disk in back

Dallas Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving (11) brings the ball up the court against the Houston Rockets during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

MEMPHIS, Tennessee — Dallas guard Kyrie Irving is expected to miss one to two weeks with a bulging disk in his back, and Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said a timeline for his return was not immediately known.

Kidd, speaking before the Mavericks take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night, didn’t shed much light on the injury or when Irving could return.

“He’s out, so there’s nothing I can speculate or comment (on),” Kidd said. “It’s been reported he’s out a week or two.”

READ: Kyrie Irving, Mavs win first game after Luka Doncic injury

When asked a timeline for Irving’s recovery, Kidd said: “Give me 48 hours to get that answer.”

Irving is the Mavericks’ second-leading scorer at 25.6 points per game, shooting close to 50% from the field, including 41.1% from 3-point range.

Irving’s injury is yet another blow to the Dallas attack.

Leading scorer Luka Doncic, who is averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists, is also out Monday, missing his sixth game due to a left calf strain.

READ: NBA: Luka Doncic out about a month before being re-evaluated

With Irving and Doncic out, the Dallas offense is missing 52.4 points per game.

“It’s important for everyone in uniform,” Kidd said of making up the scoring shortage. “Being short-handed, it’s the next-man-up mentality. … We can’t replace Luka or Ky, so it’s going to take a team effort.”

Dallas dropped to 20-16 following a 119-104 blowout  loss to Memphis, which was led by Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 35 points and 13 rebounds.