The Cleveland Cavaliers are the best team in the Eastern Conference but showed vulnerability at times this season, although they may be having a boost as guards Kyrie Irving and Iman Shumpert are already practicing.
Irving has been out for Cleveland since Game 1 of last season's National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals after reinjuring his knee, while Shumpert sustained a wrist injury before their training camp began.
But in a report by Cleveland.com, the two again practiced fully Monday and are almost close to a hundred percent.
In the report, Cavaliers head coach David Blatt expressed their desire to have the two back as soon as possible.
"We're very much hoping we get them back sooner than later. I just can't commit to you when exactly they'll get back. But I believe sooner than later," Blatt said.
Cleveland.com also added in their report that health-wise, Shumpert will likely be returning first than Irving.
Meanwhile, ESPN reported that the two could make their season debuts when the Cavs have their two-game road trip against the Orlando Magic this Friday and the Boston Celtics Tuesday.
Blatt said, according to the report, that there are possibilities one or both of them will play, but the two may also not see action in any of the games.
However, Blatt also shared that Irving and Shumpert will be with them in their trips to Orlando and Boston.
The Cavaliers are 14–7 this season, sitting on the top spot in the East but are experiencing struggles early like a three-game losing skid before Tuesday's win over the Portland Trail Blazers.
Because of their early troubles, there are reports that the team are having meetings following losses with franchise superstar LeBron James trying to motivate his teammates.
James was also reported to be criticizing the Cavaliers early in the season because of the defeats they absorbed.
