Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks faces a positive update in his injury recovery vs. Denver Nuggets

Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks’ superstar, watched the team’s loss to the Nuggets from the sidelines, despite not wearing a walking boot.

DENVER — The Dallas Mavericks were defeated 130-104 by the Denver Nuggets on Monday at Ball Arena. Kyrie Irving led a long list of key inactive rotation players for the Mavericks as he recovers from a right heel contusion.

Irving suffered the injury in the first quarter of a Dec. 8 road win over the Portland Trail Blazers when Dwight Powell landed on his leg. Later, he was ruled out for the rest of the game and returned to Dallas for an MRI while the team traveled to Memphis to face the Grizzlies.

Irving, who missed his fifth straight game, was not wearing a walking boot while sitting on the Mavericks’ sideline and had no problem walking around. There has yet to be a firm update on a potential timetable for his return.

While it is unclear when Irving will return to the lineup, the Mavericks have already begun a difficult stretch with a packed week of successful opponents, beginning with the Nuggets and continuing with the Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets this week.

In 17 games this season, Irving has averaged 23.0 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds. The Mavericks are 10-7 with Irving in the lineup, 6-3 without him, and 10-6 with both Doncic and Irving in the lineup.

Irving was unable to join the Mavericks on the road against the Grizzlies due to his use of crutches and a walking book, but he did watch the game in a luxury box with general manager Nico Harrison at American Airlines Center in the following games.

Irving returned to the bench for the Mavericks’ two-game road trip, offering his thoughts to the team during the game. His presence on the team was felt whether he was instructing teammates on defense or using a timeout to help give pointers after a scoring attempt.

While it is unclear when Irving will return to the lineup, the Mavericks have already begun a difficult stretch with a packed week of successful opponents, beginning with the Nuggets and continuing with the Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets this week.

In 17 games this season, Irving has averaged 23.0 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds. The Mavericks are 10-7 with Irving in the lineup, 6-3 without him, and 10-6 with both Doncic and Irving in the lineup.

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