Max Strus, Cavaliers
Getty
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’ wait for Max Strus may come down to one final medical check.
Hours before Sunday’s showdown with the Boston Celtics, Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson revealed that Strus is nearing the final stage of his recovery — but still must complete another visit with team doctors before being cleared.
“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 — I’m not sure when that is, I know it’s coming up — to kind of confirm we’re doing alright.”
The update came shortly after the Cavaliers officially ruled Strus out for Sunday’s game against Boston, extending the veteran wing’s absence as he continues to recover from offseason foot surgery.
While the return timeline remains fluid, Atkinson’s latest comments signal that Strus could be approaching the final hurdle before making his season debut.
Cavaliers Rule Out Max Strus vs Celtics
Cleveland had already confirmed earlier in the day that Strus would not play in Sunday’s marquee Eastern Conference matchup.
The Cavaliers are opting for caution as the 29-year-old continues ramping up his workload following surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot.
Despite the delay, the team remains optimistic that Strus’ return is approaching.
Strus participated in roughly 90 percent of Friday’s practice, a significant milestone in his recovery process, according to Cavaliers sideline reporter Serena Winters.
“It makes you feel optimistic, right? You’re starting to get whole,” Atkinson said earlier this week. “Adding Max is like adding another excellent free agent, if you look at it that way. So really trending positive.”
Max Strus Recovery Progressing After Foot Surgery
Strus has yet to appear during the 2025–26 NBA season after undergoing surgery to repair the Jones fracture in his left foot during the offseason.
Earlier this week, the Cavaliers confirmed that the veteran forward had made meaningful progress in his rehabilitation.
“Cavaliers guard/forward Max Strus continues his recovery following offseason surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot,” the team said in a statement. “Recent imaging has shown progressive healing, and in consultation with Dr. David Porter and team physician Dr. James Rosneck, Strus has progressed to individual on-court workouts as part of a structured ramp-up program.”
The Cavaliers indicated that Strus would continue to gradually increase his workload through controlled team activities and practice sessions with both the NBA club and its G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge.
Cleveland’s medical and performance staff will continue closely monitoring his recovery as he approaches clearance.
Upcoming Schedule Could Shape Max Strus Debut
The Cavaliers’ upcoming schedule could ultimately determine when Strus makes his season debut.
After Sunday’s showdown with the Celtics, Cleveland will play three games in five days.
The Cavaliers host the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, March 9, before beginning a two-game road trip against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, March 11, and the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, March 13.
That stretch provides multiple opportunities for Strus to finally make his long-awaited season debut once he receives final clearance from team doctors.
Cleveland’s cautious approach reflects both the seriousness of a Jones fracture and the importance of Strus to the team’s playoff push.
Max Strus Played Key Role in Cavaliers Rotation
Strus has served as Cleveland’s starting small forward for much of the past two seasons and developed into an important complementary piece around the team’s core.
During the 2024–25 regular season, Strus appeared in 50 games and averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 25.5 minutes per game while shooting 44.2 percent from the field and 38.6 percent from three-point range.
He elevated his performance in the postseason as well, averaging 11.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists across nine playoff games.
Strus is currently in the third season of a four-year, $63 million contract and is earning roughly $15 million this season.
Cavaliers Battling Knicks for Eastern Conference Position
Strus’ eventual return could arrive at a crucial point in Cleveland’s season.
The Cavaliers currently trail the New York Knicks by 1.5 games for the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference as the playoff race tightens.
With just 19 games remaining, Cleveland holds the second-softest remaining schedule in the NBA, according to Tankathon’s strength-of-schedule metrics.
Adding Strus back to the rotation would strengthen Cleveland’s wing depth and perimeter shooting as the Cavaliers push toward securing home-court advantage in the opening round of the playoffs.
For now, Cleveland appears to be waiting on one final green light from its medical staff before welcoming Strus back to the floor.