Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving has a bulging disk in his back and is expected to miss at least one to two weeks, sources told ESPN. There is optimism that treatment over the coming days will provide a return-to-play target date,

Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks moves the ball down court against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center on January 01, 2

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.

The Mavericks are already playing without All-Star guard Luka Dončić, who's sidelined with a calf injury suffered on Christmas.

The Mavericks have recently navigated life without Luka Doncic, who sustained a left calf strain on Christmas Day. With Irving and Doncic out on Friday, Quentin Grimes stepped up in a playmaking role with 26 points, six assists and two rebounds.

Kyrie Irving sat out the Dallas Mavericks’ game Friday night against NBA-leading Cleveland because of illness, joining fellow All-Star guard Luka Doncic on the sideline

Far away from home, the Cleveland Cavaliers are still rolling through their Western Conference road trip to take on Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks. Last time out, the Cavs defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 122-110,