Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving has been ruled out of Wednesday night's game against the New Orleans Pelicans, who are similarly resting power forward Zion Williamson.

Kyrie Irving may have returned to the court Friday to help the Dallas Mavericks defeat top-seeded Oklahoma City, but his ongoing back injury will require rest in some instances. Irving missing Wednesday’s controversial loss to the New Orleans Pelicans was an example of him taking a night off to manage a bulging disc in his back.

The Dallas Mavericks took another step toward securing a direct NBA playoff spot with a crucial victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Following the game, Kyrie Irving reflected on his transition from the Brooklyn Nets to Dallas Mavericks,