The Dallas Mavericks will face the Denver Nuggets on Sunday without star guard Kyrie Irving, who remains sidelined with a lumbar back sprain. Head coach Jason Kidd confirmed Irving’s status following Saturday’s practice, marking the fifth consecutive game the 14-year veteran will miss.

“He did some shooting, and that was it,” Kidd told The Dallas Morning News. “He’s trending in the right direction. Hopefully, we get him back soon.”

Irving was joined at Saturday’s practice by Luka Doncic, who was also seen shooting as he works his way back from a left calf strain. Dončić has missed the team’s last eight games but continues to progress toward a return. Kidd did not specify a timeline for either star guard to rejoin the lineup.

Jason Kidd rules out Kyrie Irving for Mavericks-Nuggets matchup

Article Continues Below
More Dallas Mavericks News
Dallas Mavericks first overall pick Cooper Flagg speaks to the media during a press conference at the Dallas Mavericks Practice Facility.
Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg makes first Dallas appearance at Wings-Fever clashRichard Pereira ·
Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison (left) looks on with Mavericks first overall pick Cooper Flagg (right) at a press conference at the Dallas Mavericks Practice Facility with Mavericks' Anthony Davis and Mavericks' Kyrie Irving in the background
Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg gets 100% real on playing with Anthony Davis, Kyrie IrvingJosue Pavon ·
Cooper Flagg in a Mavericks jersey and Paige Bueckers in a Wings jersey in front. In background, place the Duke basketball and UConn women's basketball logos.
Cooper Flagg responds to Paige Bueckers ‘giving him crap’ over Duke-UConn decisionJoey Mistretta ·
Nico Harrison doubles down on how Cooper Flagg addition will win back Mavericks fans' hearts
Nico Harrison doubles down on how Cooper Flagg addition will win back Mavericks fans’ heartsJulian Ojeda ·
Mark Cuban on left. Mavericks Dirk Nowitzki (from when he played) and Mavericks Cooper Flagg (in a Mavs jersey) on right.
Mark Cuban’s hilarious Cooper Flagg-Dirk Nowitzki ‘trash talk’ comparisonJoey Mistretta ·
Mavericks news: Cooper Flagg unsurprising Rookie of the Year favorite after 2025 NBA Draft
Mavericks’ Anthony Davis sends message to Cooper Flagg after Dallas’ selectionGuillermo Guajardo ·
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) looks up during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center.
© Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Mavericks (22-16), currently fifth in the Western Conference standings, have managed to win their last two games without Irving and Doncic, securing victories against the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers. The Nuggets (22-15), who sit just ahead of Dallas in fourth place, will be a significant test as the Mavericks aim to close out their four-game homestand on a high note.

Irving has been a key part of Dallas’ success this season, playing in 30 games and averaging 24.3 points, 4.9 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per contest. He is shooting an efficient 49% from the field and 44.1% from beyond the arc. Despite his absence, Kidd has remained optimistic about his progress. Before Thursday’s win over Portland, Kidd highlighted that Irving’s physical condition has improved.

“He looks great,” Kidd said. “Physically, he looks great. Hopefully here soon he starts to do some basketball stuff and see how his back reacts to that.”

Sunday’s game marks the first of two consecutive matchups against Denver. While Irving has been ruled out for the opener, there remains hope he could return for Tuesday night’s contest. The Mavericks will lean on their depth to face a Nuggets team led by reigning MVP Nikola Jokic.