The Dallas Mavericks have been dealt a significant blow as star guard Kyrie Irving is sidelined indefinitely due to a bulging disk in his back.

The team announced the injury on Monday, stating that there is no clear timeline for his return. This development adds to the Mavericks’ recent struggles, as they’ve now lost five consecutive games in a challenging stretch of the season.

Irving’s absence leaves a major void in Dallas’ lineup, particularly with Luka Dončić also out due to lingering injuries. The duo’s dynamic playmaking and scoring have been the cornerstone of the Mavericks’ offense, and their unavailability has forced the team to lean heavily on other contributors.

Klay Thompson, acquired in the offseason to bolster the roster, has stepped up admirably, averaging 25 points in recent games. However, his efforts alone haven’t been enough to secure victories. The latest defeat came Monday night against the Memphis Grizzlies, where the Mavericks fell 119-104. Memphis capitalized on Dallas’ undermanned roster, with Desmond Bane leading the way with 27 points and Jaren Jackson Jr. adding 20 points and 12 rebounds.

The Mavericks’ depth has been tested during this stretch, with players like Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes stepping into larger roles. The pair combined for 23 points against Memphis but struggled to maintain consistency in the absence of Irving and Dončić. Turnovers have also been a recurring issue for Dallas, as the team committed 15 turnovers that the Grizzlies converted into 21 points.

Head coach Jason Kidd acknowledged the challenges of navigating this injury-plagued period but emphasized the importance of resilience. “It’s tough to lose two key players, but we’ve got to find ways to compete and stay in games,” Kidd said after Monday’s loss. “This group has faced adversity before, and I believe we’ll come out stronger.”

The Mavericks’ upcoming schedule doesn’t offer much relief, as they prepare to face the New Orleans Pelicans. With no definitive timeline for Irving’s return and Dončić’s status still uncertain, Dallas will need to rely on its depth and grit to stay afloat in the highly competitive Western Conference.

This season began with high expectations following the team’s first NBA Finals appearance in the Luka Dončić era. Now, with injuries derailing their momentum, the Mavericks face a critical juncture in their campaign. How they navigate this period will likely determine whether they can remain a legitimate contender or fall short of their lofty aspirations.