BOSTON -- Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving is set to make his season debut Thursday at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder, a source familiar with the three-time All-Star's plans told ESPN.com.
Irving, sidelined for the first 23 games of the Cavs' season while recovering from surgery in June to repair a fractured left kneecap sustained in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, was cleared for full-contact more than a week ago and has been through a handful of practices since without any setbacks.
The final hurdle Irving will have to pass before the team approves of his intention to play will involve a series of physical tests to measure his body's strength and responsiveness, a team source told ESPN.