Dallas Mavericks fans waiting to watch Kyrie Irving back in action against the Houston Rockets for a preseason matchup will have to wait a little longer to see his return to game action. The Mavs guard was ruled out for Friday's preseason matchup against the Rockets in Macao, China, as he continues his recovery from a torn left ACL.
Mavericks PR listed Irving as out because of left knee rest. The update followed an earlier plan from head coach Dusty May, who said Irving would play in one of Dallas' two exhibition games in China. According to NBA reporter Keith Smith, Sunday's matchup now appears to be the target.
Article Continues BelowIrving has not played since March 3, 2025, when he tore his ACL against the Sacramento Kings. The injury sidelined him for the entire 2025-26 season, delaying his chance to share the court with Cooper Flagg, the reigning Rookie of the Year.