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Max Strus of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after scoring during the second quarter of game two of the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs against the Miami Heat.
The Cleveland Cavaliers could receive a significant boost Sunday as veteran wing Max Strus is listed as probable to make his long-awaited season debut against the Dallas Mavericks.
Strus has yet to appear during the 2025–26 NBA season after undergoing surgery in late August to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot. The injury required months of rehabilitation and a cautious recovery timeline, but the seventh-year veteran has recently ramped up his basketball activities.
If he suits up Sunday, it would mark Strus’ first regular-season appearance of the year.
Recovery Progress Points Toward Return
Cleveland has taken a deliberate approach with Strus’ recovery, carefully increasing his workload over the past several weeks.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson recently indicated that Strus had reached the final phase of the rehabilitation process and only needed final medical clearance before returning to game action.
“He’s ramping up,” Atkinson said, via Locked on Cavs host Danny Cunningham. “I do believe he’s got one more visit with the doctor… to kind of confirm we’re doing alright.”
Strus has been progressing through controlled on-court work while also participating in practice sessions with the Cavaliers and their G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge.
Those workouts helped him regain conditioning and rhythm after months away from game action.
The probable designation for Sunday’s matchup suggests the final hurdle may have been cleared.
Likely Minutes Restriction in Return
Even if Strus plays Sunday, Cleveland is expected to ease him back into the rotation.
After such a lengthy absence following foot surgery, the Cavaliers are likely to limit his minutes initially while monitoring how the foot responds to game intensity.
Strus is expected to come off the bench rather than immediately resume a starting role.
Despite the expected minutes restriction, his return would add another experienced perimeter option to Cleveland’s rotation.
Strus Played Key Role in Cavaliers Rotation
GettyCavaliers forward Max Strus is expected to make his season debut on Sunday against the Dallas Mavericks.
Before the injury, Strus had become a reliable contributor for Cleveland’s wing rotation.
During the 2024–25 season, he started 37 of 50 games for the Cavaliers and averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists while playing 25.5 minutes per contest.
His ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting and contribute as a secondary playmaker made him a valuable complementary piece alongside Cleveland’s core.
Strus also elevated his production in last year’s postseason, averaging nearly 12 points per game across nine playoff appearances.
Cavaliers Eye Playoff Positioning
The timing of Strus’ potential return could prove significant as Cleveland approaches the final stretch of the regular season.
The Cavaliers are currently locked in a tight Eastern Conference race and trail the New York Knicks by roughly 1.5 games for the No. 3 seed.
With 15 games remaining, Cleveland is looking to strengthen its rotation as it pushes toward securing home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
According to Tankathon‘s strength-of-schedule metrics, the Cavaliers hold the second-softest remaining schedule in the league, allowing them to climb the standings down the stretch.
Cavaliers Hope Strus Adds Depth
Adding Strus back into the lineup would deepen Cleveland’s wing rotation and provide another perimeter shooter capable of spacing the floor.
His versatility allows him to play multiple roles offensively while also contributing on the boards and as a passer.
For a Cavaliers team already competing near the top of the Eastern Conference, the return of a healthy Strus could provide a timely reinforcement as the playoff race intensifies.
If cleared to play Sunday against Dallas, Cleveland will finally see one of its key offseason storylines resolved — the return of a veteran wing who has spent the entire season working his way back from foot surgery.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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