The Cleveland Cavaliers (41-25) could get a significant boost on Sunday as guard Max Strus is expected to make his season debut against the Dallas Mavericks (22-45).
Cleveland enters the matchup at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBA TV with the possibility of Strus rejoining the lineup following a long recovery from foot surgery. The veteran guard has not appeared in a game this season while rehabilitating a Jones fracture in his left foot.
ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel reported on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Saturday:
"Max Strus, who has not played all season for the Cavs after undergoing surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot, is listed as probable and is expected to make his season debut tomorrow against the Mavericks."
Strus underwent surgery during the offseason to repair the fracture and has spent several months progressing through the Cavaliers' rehabilitation program. His return will add another perimeter shooter and playmaking option to Cleveland's rotation as the team continues its push toward the postseason.
Max Strus nears return as Cavaliers try to build momentum against Mavericks
The 29-year-old wing played a key role for Cleveland last season. During the 2024–25 campaign, Strus averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 50 appearances, including 37 starts. In his second season with the Cavaliers he shot 44.2% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range, while averaging 25.5 minutes per game.
Cleveland entered Sunday's contest carrying momentum after a 138-105 win over Dallas on Friday night at the American Airlines Center. The win helped the Cavaliers keep the pressure on in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
The Cavaliers are currently in fourth place in the conference standings and trail the third-seeded New York Knicks (43-25) by 1.5 games.
After Sunday's matchup with Dallas, Cleveland begins a three-game road trip against the Milwaukee Bucks (27-39) on Tuesday night. The game is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock as the Cavaliers continue their push for a postseason berth.
