Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving is expected to make his season debut Thursday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports that Irving, who has missed 23 games this year while recovering from a fractured kneecap, was cleared for full contact over a week ago and has practiced without any setbacks. He’ll go through one more series of tests before officially being cleared to return to game action.
The Cavs could be in need of backcourt help after Iman Shumpert went down with a groin injury in Tuesday’s win over the Boston Celtics. He has already been ruled out for Thursday’s game against the Thunder, according to McMenamin.
Given some of the rumblings we heard on Tuesday about Irving’s state of mind and availability, Cavs fans should be relieved that he is expected to return. Now they just need the 23-year-old to remain healthy for the playoffs. David Blatt will undoubtedly manage Irving’s minutes throughout the regular season.
