Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving is anticipated to be sidelined for a minimum of one to two weeks following the diagnosis of a bulging disc in his back. Sources have confirmed this information as the Mavericks aim to manage Irving's recovery effectively.

Irving has already missed two of the Mavericks' last three games, indicating a troubling continuation of injury challenges that have affected him over previous seasons. Last season, he encountered various ailments—specifically foot, heel, thumb, and hamstring injuries—resulting in him missing 24 games. Nevertheless, he managed to achieve a remarkable streak of 31 consecutive games played heading into April, his longest run since the 2015-16 season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Despite Irving’s notable return to form during the Mavericks' postseason, where he participated in all 22 games and contributed significantly alongside teammate Luka Dončić to propel the team to the NBA Finals, offseason challenges have persisted. The Mavericks revealed in July that he sustained a broken left hand during an offseason workout, requiring surgery. Once more, Irving's availability is now in question following the current injury, which poses potential challenges for the Mavericks as they strive to maintain their position in the Western Conference playoff race. In his absence, Quentin Grimes, who was acquired in an offseason trade and has seen increased playing time, is expected to step up. Recently, Grimes delivered an outstanding performance, leading the Mavericks with 26 points in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.