Kyrie Irving’s long wait is almost over.
The Mavericks guard is expected to play in one of the team’s two preseason games against the Rockets in China this weekend, coach Dusty May said, via Marc Stein of The Stein Line. May has yet to decide which game Irving will play.
It would be Irving’s first game since he tore his ACL in March 2025. He was working his way back last season when a calf strain in December delayed his recovery by another eight weeks. Dallas eventually ruled him out for the rest of the year.
That makes this more than a routine preseason appearance for Irving, even if his minutes are limited. He’ll get back on the floor with teammates and face an opponent before the regular season begins.
The Mavericks will also get their first game look at Irving under May, who took over as coach this offseason. There’s no word yet on how much he’ll play. After more than a year and a half away from game action, the appearance itself is the news.
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