Mavericks star Kyrie Irving discusses his bulging back disc, saying he is thankful it won't require surgery, for now.

The Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans will play on Wednesday night, but will Kyrie Irving be available for the game?

With Luka Doncic missing his 10th straight game with a left calf strain and projected to remain out through at least late January, Irving is Dallas’ best chance of remaining afloat in Western Conference amid a roaring rapids stretch of games.

Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving returned to the court on Tuesday after missing five games due to a bulging disc in his back.

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, who has been sidelined since Jan. 1 with a back injury, returned to action for Tuesday’s game against the Denver Nuggets. Kyrie Irving (lumbar back sprain) will be AVAILABLE tonight against the Denver Nuggets.

Jan 12, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) brings the ball up court against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Kyrie Irving may have struggled in his return to the Mavericks lineup, but Jason Kidd is simply happy that he's back on the court.

The Dallas Mavericks are playing a second straight game against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night after falling 112-101 at home on Sunday. They could be getting a major boost to the lineup for this game, though, as Kyrie Irving is nearing a return.