The Dallas Mavericks are struggling without Luka Doncic. What makes matters worse, is that Doncic’s calf injury is his third calf-related setback in recent years.

With Luka Doncic missing his 10th straight game with a left calf strain and projected to remain out through at least late January, Irving is Dallas’ best chance of remaining afloat in Western Conference amid a roaring rapids stretch of games.

The Denver Nuggets head back to American Airlines Center to face the Dallas Mavericks in the second of a two game set. The Nuggets are 23-15, which puts them in fourth place in the Western Conference. The Mavs are 22-17, which puts them directly behind Denver in fifth place.

Mavs star Kyrie Irving confirmed after Tuesday night's loss that he was diagnosed with a bulging disk in his lower back and would have to continue managing the injury.

The Mavericks are set for the return of one-half of their dynamic backcourt duo. After missing Dallas’ last five games, Kyrie Irving is set to return to the lineup Tuesday night against the Denver Nuggets. Jason Kidd said pregame that Irving would return to the floor vs. Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets.

The Dallas Mavericks got one superstar back from injury on Tuesday against the Denver Nuggets, as Kyrie Irving returned after a five-game absence, but they're still waiting on Luka Doncic's return. He suffered a fairly severe calf strain on Christmas Day against the Minnesota Timberwolves,

The Mavericks host the Nuggets at 9:00 p.m. ET, looking to bounce back after Sunday’s loss to Denver. Kyrie Irving (back) is questionable but could return.