Max Strus Nears Season Debut as Cavaliers Prepare for Mavericks

The Cleveland Cavaliers could receive a timely boost Sunday as guard Max Strus is expected to make his season debut against the Dallas Mavericks. After months of recovery from offseason foot surgery, the veteran wing appears poised to return to the court for the first time this year.

Cleveland enters the matchup with a 41–25 record and continues to battle for favorable positioning in the Eastern Conference standings. The possibility of adding Strus back into the lineup provides an additional layer of depth for a team aiming to maintain its momentum late in the season.

Strus has been sidelined since undergoing surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot during the offseason. The injury required an extended rehabilitation process, keeping him out of action throughout the opening months of the campaign.

According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, Strus is listed as probable for Sunday’s game and is expected to play. His return would give Cleveland another perimeter shooter and experienced contributor as the team continues preparing for the postseason.

1. Long Road Back From Injury

Strus’ anticipated return marks the conclusion of a lengthy recovery process. After suffering the Jones fracture in his left foot, the guard underwent surgery during the offseason and began working through Cleveland’s rehabilitation program. The recovery required patience from both the player and the organization. Jones fractures are known for requiring careful management, particularly for basketball players who rely heavily on quick lateral movement and constant pressure on the feet. Throughout the rehab process, the Cavaliers’ medical staff monitored Strus’ progress closely. The team prioritized ensuring the foot healed properly before allowing him to resume full basketball activities. Now, after months of recovery and conditioning work, Strus appears ready to rejoin the lineup. His return comes at a crucial point in the season, when Cleveland is working to secure its playoff position in a competitive Eastern Conference race.

2. Valuable Role in Cleveland’s Rotation

Before his injury absence this season, Strus had already established himself as an important part of Cleveland’s rotation. His ability to space the floor, handle the ball and contribute across multiple areas made him a valuable piece of the team’s system. During the 2024–25 campaign, Strus averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 50 games for Cleveland. He started 37 of those contests, demonstrating the trust the coaching staff placed in his versatility and decision-making. One of Strus’ most important contributions came from beyond the three-point line. He shot 38.6 percent from long distance while also converting 44.2 percent of his overall field-goal attempts. His ability to stretch the floor opened up driving lanes for teammates and helped create a more balanced offensive attack. If he returns to that form, Strus could quickly reestablish himself as a reliable perimeter option in Cleveland’s lineup.

3. Cavaliers Focused on Playoff Positioning

Cleveland enters Sunday’s matchup with the Mavericks looking to build on recent success. The Cavaliers secured a dominant 138–105 victory over Dallas on Friday night at American Airlines Center, maintaining momentum as the regular season moves forward. The team currently holds the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference and remains within striking distance of the New York Knicks for third place. Cleveland trails New York by just 1.5 games, making every remaining contest increasingly important. Adding Strus back into the lineup could provide additional scoring and depth during this critical stretch. His experience and perimeter shooting may help strengthen Cleveland’s rotation as the team navigates the final portion of the schedule. Following the Mavericks game, the Cavaliers will begin a three-game road trip that starts against the Milwaukee Bucks. With postseason positioning still at stake, Cleveland hopes the return of a key contributor can help sustain its push toward the playoffs.