How long is Kyrie Irving out? Back injury timeline and return updates on Mavericks’ star guard

The Mavericks are dealing with injuries to their starting backcourt as the season approaches its halfway point.

With Luka Doncic already out for an extended period of time due to a calf injury, Kyrie Irving is now expected to miss time with a back injury.

It’s a significant blow to the defending Western Conference champions, who are mired in a logjam in the West standings.

Irving has looked very comfortable in his second full season with the Mavericks, averaging 24.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in his first 30 games. Dallas must now decide what to do offensively with its top two scorers sidelined.

How long will the Mavericks go without Irving? Here’s everything you need to know about his injury and when you can expect him back in the lineup.

What is Kyrie Irving’s injury?

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According to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Tim MacMahon, Irving suffered a bulging disc in his back.

It is unclear when Irving sustained his injury. He played 37 minutes on January 1 and was ruled out of Dallas’ January 3 game against Cleveland due to illness.

The 32-year-old was initially ruled out of Dallas’ Jan. 6 game against Memphis with a lumbar sprain before learning that the official diagnosis was a bulging disc.

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At the time of the injury announcement, the Mavericks were 1-4 without Irving.

How long is Kyrie Irving out?

Irving “is expected” to miss one to two weeks of play, according to Charania and MacMahon.

The two stated in the report that “there is optimism that treatment over the coming days will provide a return-to-play target date” for Irving, but reports indicate that he will miss at least a week.

Dallas will seek to strike a balance between prioritizing the big picture and recognizing the importance of not falling behind in the crowded West standings.

Mavericks schedule 2024-25

Here is a look at the Mavericks’ schedule for the next two weeks: