After missing nearly two months with a shoulder injury, Nets guard Kyrie Irving is "likely" to return against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowkski.
Irving spoke to reporters on Jan. 4 for the first time since mid-November. He said he received a cortisone shot on his shoulder on Dec. 24 and added that he was hopeful the medication would stave off the need for surgery.
Irving fully participated in practice for the first time on Thursday morning, including taking part in 5-on-5 contact drills.
The former Celtics and Cavaliers guard's return comes in the midst of Brooklyn's worst stretch of the season.