Is Kyrie Irving playing tonight against Grizzlies? Latest on Mavericks point guard's status (Jan. 6)

Kyrie Irving will be unavailable for the Dallas Mavericks' regular season game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday due to a lumbar back strain. This marks the star point guard's second consecutive missed game as he also sat out Dallas' 134-122 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.

The Mavericks face a busy schedule, with Monday's matchup being the first night of a back-to-back. Jason Kidd's team is set to take on LeBron James and the Lakers on Tuesday.

Irving last played during the Mavericks' 110-99 loss to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. In that game, the eight-time All-Star scored 16 points on 7 of 13 shooting, including 0-of-2 from beyond the arc, in 37 minutes. He also contributed seven rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks.

The one-time NBA champion has missed five of Dallas' 35 games this season due to various issues, including right shoulder soreness, illness and now a back injury.

The Mavericks have also struggled with the availability of their other star, Luka Doncic, contributing to the team’s inconsistency. Dallas has lost six of its last 10 games, slipping to seventh place in the Western Conference standings with a 20-15 record.

Despite his absences, Kyrie Irving is having a strong season, averaging 24.3 points per game on 49.0% shooting, including an impressive 44.1% from 3-point range. He also adds 4.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

Where to watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Memphis Grizzlies?

The Dallas Mavericks vs. Memphis Grizzlies game is scheduled to take place on Monday, Jan. 6, at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Tip-off is slated for 8 p.m. EST (5 p.m. PT).

The Mavericks vs. Grizzlies game will be telecast live on KFAA (local) and FanDuel Sports Network Southeast - Memphis (local). Hoops fans can also live stream the game on the NBA League Pass and Fubo TV app and website (regional restrictions may apply).