Mavericks star Kyrie Irving and Luka Kidd ruled out for Monday meeting with Memphis Grizzlies

The Dallas Mavericks are set to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, but they will do so without their two star guards, Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic.

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd confirmed that Irving has been ruled out for the matchup due to a lumbar back sprain. This comes on the heels of Irving’s absence in Friday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he was sidelined by illness.

Meanwhile, Doncic remains out of action after sustaining a left calf strain during the team’s Christmas Day game. The Mavericks have been forced to adapt quickly in the absence of their two most prominent playmakers, relying on their depth and the contributions of other players to fill the void.

Friday’s game against the Cavaliers offered a glimpse of how the Mavericks are adjusting. With both Irving and Doncic unavailable, Quentin Grimes stepped up in a big way, delivering an impressive performance. Grimes tallied 26 points, six assists, and two rebounds, showcasing his ability to take on a more significant playmaking role when needed. His contributions were a bright spot in what has been a challenging stretch for the Mavericks.

“We’re asking a lot from the entire roster,” Kidd said after Friday’s game. “But that’s what makes a team. Everyone has to step up when called upon, and we’re seeing guys like Quentin rise to the occasion.”

The absence of Irving and Doncic has undoubtedly impacted the Mavericks’ offensive rhythm. The duo averages a combined 52.1 points per game this season, and their ability to create scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates has been a cornerstone of the team’s success. Without them, the Mavericks have had to rely on a more balanced scoring approach, with increased responsibilities for role players like Tim Hardaway Jr., Derrick Jones Jr., and Jaden Hardy.

Monday’s matchup against the Grizzlies presents another tough test for Dallas. Memphis has been a strong defensive team this season, and the Mavericks will need to find creative ways to generate offense without their two stars. Kidd emphasized the importance of staying focused and playing together as a unit.

“We can’t replace what Luka and Kyrie bring to the table, but we can play hard, play smart, and play for each other,” Kidd said. “That’s the mindset we’re taking into every game until they’re back.”

As the Mavericks continue to navigate this challenging stretch, the performances of their role players will be crucial. The team’s ability to stay competitive without Irving and Doncic could have significant implications for their playoff aspirations in a tightly contested Western Conference.