Mavericks' Kyrie Irving Sidelined 1-2 Weeks with Back Injury

The All-Star guard's bulging disc adds to Dallas' challenges as Luka Doncic also remains out with a calf strain.

Kyrie Irving is expected to miss 1-2 weeks due to a bulging disc in his back, according to reports from ESPN and Shams Charania.
Irving's absence compounds challenges for the Dallas Mavericks, who are also playing without Luka Doncic due to a left calf strain suffered on Christmas Day.
The Mavericks, currently seventh in the Western Conference standings with a 20-15 record, are on a four-game losing streak.
Quentin Grimes and Klay Thompson are expected to take on larger roles in Irving and Doncic's absence as Dallas seeks to maintain its playoff positioning.
Irving has averaged 24.3 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.6 rebounds in 30 games this season, following a strong showing in last year's NBA Finals run.