Kyrie Irving, guard for the Dallas Mavericks, is set to return to the NBA in a preseason game against the Houston Rockets in China, marking the end of a 19-month absence from competitive play. Irving hasn't played since suffering a torn ACL on February 18, 2025, while carrying an increased workload after the Mavericks traded Luka Doncic.
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Irving revealed that a calf strain in December 2025 delayed his recovery timeline by eight weeks, pushing back his planned return. Now, he is fully cleared to participate in the upcoming preseason games without any restrictions. Mavericks coach Dusty May has expressed optimism about what he has seen from Irving during training camp.
This return is highly anticipated not just for Irving but also for new players on the team. The Mavericks have stated that they are focused on exploring different lineups during these international games, with hopes of assessing their roster's capabilities ahead of the regular season.