Kyrie Irving's Injury Status For Pelicans vs Mavericks

The star guard is listed on the injury report for Pelicans vs Mavericks.

Nov 19, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) drives to the basket past New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks travel to New Orleans and face the Pelicans on Wednesday evening. Dallas is playing on the second night of a back-to-back after a 118-99 loss to the Denver Nuggets. Kyrie Irving returned after a two-week absence to deal with bulging disc issues in his back.

The 32-year-old struggled in his return, scoring 11 points on just 4/18 shooting from the field. Irving said postgame that he was happy to return to play but hasn't dealt with back injuries in his career. The plan was to be cautious with him moving forward.

"I'm going to be real with you. I haven't really had any back troubles before," Irving told reporters. "So when I got the MRI back and found out it was a bulging disk, I spoke to a few experts, a few doctors, spoke to some of my teammates, spoke to some of the guys on our coaching staff as well, who have dealt with surgery or dealt with just the maintenance of that. It's on and off."

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (lumbar back sprain) is doubtful to play tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans.

— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) January 15, 2025

The Mavericks released their official injury report for Wednesday, and the star guard is listed as doubtful against the Pelicans. Irving said he hoped to play in the back-to-back, but the team may take the proper precautions with him.

Dallas is currently without star guard Luka Donic, who is still nursing a calf injury and expects to be out until February. The Mavericks also lost starting center Derrick Lively to an ankle injury on Tuesday.

Jan 14, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) passes the ball by Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Dallas is currently 22-18 on the year after reaching the NBA Finals last season. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CST at the Smoothie King Center.

Related Articles

Zion Williamson Gets Brutally Honest After Blowout Loss to Warriors

New Orleans Pelicans Make Roster Move After Loss to Warriors

Brandon Ingram's Honest Statement on Pelicans' Loss to Warriors