Irving set for long-awaited Mavericks return in China

Kyrie Irving is on the verge of returning to action after a lengthy injury layoff, with Dallas Mavericks head coach Dusty May confirming that the veteran guard is expected to play during the team's weekend tour of China.

Irving has not appeared in a game since March 2025, when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament. His recovery process later encountered another setback in December after a calf injury delayed rehabilitation by approximately two months. Following that development, Dallas decided to shut him down for the remainder of the campaign, extending his absence from competitive basketball.

The Mavericks are scheduled to face the Houston Rockets twice in China this weekend, and Irving is set to feature in one of the two contests.

May confirmed that the nine-time All-Star will travel with the squad and take part in the series, although the coaching staff has yet to determine which game will mark his official return.