Dallas player Kyrie Irving is expected to miss one to two weeks due to a bulging disc in his back, and Mavericks coach Jason Kidd indicated a return date was not immediately available. Kidd, addressing before the Mavericks’ game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night, did not provide much information about Irving’s injury or when he could return. “He’s out, so there’s nothing I can speculate or comment (on),” added Kidd. “It’s been reported he’s out a week or two.” When asked about Irving’s recuperation timeline, Kidd responded, “Give me 48 hours to get that answer.”
Irving is the Mavericks’ second-leading scorer with 25.6 points per game, shooting nearly 50% from the field, including 41.1% from 3-point range. Irving’s injury is yet another blow to Dallas’ offense. Leading scorer Luka Doncic, who averages 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game, is also out Monday with a left calf injury, missing his sixth game.
With Irving and Doncic out, Dallas’ offense is losing 52.4 points per game. “It’s important for everyone in uniform,” Kidd said of overcoming the scoring deficit. “When you’re short-handed, you have to think about the next guy. We can’t replace Luka or Ky, so it will take a team effort.” Dallas is 20-15 and now ranks third in the Southwest Division, three games behind first-place Houston.
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