Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving. Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Kyrie Irving's injury is a hammer blow for the Mavericks

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Jan 6, 2025 5:36 PM ET

In recent weeks, the Dallas Mavericks have relied on Kyrie Irving to lead the team. The All-Star guard has stepped into a bigger role due to Luka Doncic's injury-induced absence. Irving's scoring and playmaking ability likely eased some of the blow of Doncic's forced absence.

Unfortunately for the Mavericks, Irving has now been ruled out for the foreseeable future. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Irving will miss at least one to two weeks due to a bulging disc in his back.

Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving has a bulging disc in his back and is expected to miss at least 1 to 2 weeks, sources tell me and @espn_macmahon. There is optimism that treatment over the coming days will provide a return to play target date. pic.twitter.com/HuNjAadyMi
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 6, 2025

Without their star-studded backcourt, the Mavericks' offense is significantly weakened. Klay Thompson will now have a heavy workload as a catch-and-shoot threat and potentially an off-the-dribble playmaker.

Irving's injury likely means that Spencer Dinwiddie will be slotted into the starting lineup. The veteran guard is averaging 9.1 points, 2.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 33 games this season. He's shooting 37.6% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range.

Dinwiddie is a solid NBA guard with experience running an offense. However, Dallas's talent drop-off is significant. Right now, Jason Kidd's team is one spot above the play-in tournament. Without Irving and Doncic, they're facing an uphill battle to remain competitive in a loaded Western Conference.

Fortunately for Dallas, we're still early enough in the season that they can bounce back. Still, last year's NBA Finalists faced a difficult few weeks. Losing Doncic hurt. Losing Irving is a hammer blow to begin 2025.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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