Irving Expected to Play in One Macau Preseason Game

Kyrie Irving is preparing to return to game action after missing the 2025-26 season, with Dallas Mavericks coach Dusty May confirming he is expected to play in one of the team’s two preseason games against the Houston Rockets in Macau. The games are scheduled for Friday and Sunday, October 9 and 11, 2026. Irving said he sustained a Grade 2 calf strain in December 2025 while recovering from a torn ACL. The additional injury delayed his rehabilitation, according to his account. One report put the added time at eight weeks, while another described it as several weeks; the exact duration was not consistently specified. The ACL tear occurred in March 2025, and Irving missed the entire 2025-26 season. His planned preseason appearance would mark his return to NBA game action after a lengthy absence, but it will not by itself establish how he will perform over a full season. The reports describe his effectiveness following the injuries as unknown. Irving is also set to begin playing alongside Cooper Flagg, who had a prominent role for Dallas during Irving’s absence. Irving said he was looking forward to growing with the young forward and seeing how his development progresses.