Why is Kyrie Irving not playing tonight against Portland Trail Blazers? Latest injury update for Mavericks star (Dec. 1)

Kyrie Irving will not play in Sunday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Irving was questionable leading up to the game. However, the former NBA champion has been ruled out before tipoff, citing a right shoulder soreness injury. Irving's shoulder issue also held him back in his only prior absence this season.

Dallas has probably rested Irving as a precaution, as it is playing on the second night of a back-to-back. The dynamic guard has carried the load in Luka Doncic's absence, who has missed six games this season. Irving is averaging 24.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists, shooting 50.4%, including 46.6% from 3. He has played 35.4 minutes a night.

The Mavericks have won five of their six games without Doncic and Irving has been key to that. Over the past four games, Irving averaged 28.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg and 6.8 rpg, so Dallas will have a sizeable gap to fill in his absence.

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Returning Luka Doncic dominates in Kyrie Irving's absence

The Mavericks didn't miss Kyrie Irving as much after Luka Doncic returned from a five-game injury hiatus to dominate the Trail Blazers. Doncic, who was iffy to play, suited up and dropped 36 points, seven rebounds and 13 assists in his first game since returning. The Mavericks won 137-131.

Doncic shot 62.5%, including 40.0% from 3. He was impactful on both ends of the court. Five other players scored in double digits. Quentin Grimes played an excellent cameo with 28 points, five rebounds, three assists and five steals, shooting 9 of 13, including five triples. Spencer Dinwiddie's fine run off the bench continued as the guard had 20 points and five assists on just nine shot attempts.

The well-rounded offensive effort helped the Mavericks compensate for not only Irving's absence but Klay Thompson's, too. The Mavericks moved to 13-8 on the season after that win while also clinching an eighth win in nine outings.

The Mavericks would hope to have their full roster available when they are in action against the in-form Grizzlies on Tuesday. Dallas didn't provide anything further on Kyrie Irving's injury, so he's expected to play that contest.