Kenny Atkinson, Cleveland Cavaliers
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Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers watches as his team plays the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter at Ball Arena on December 27, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.
Before the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Orlando Magic in Central Florida on Wednesday, March 11, the visitors learned that they could get a key player back in the mix soon enough.
Max Strus has already been ruled out for Wednesday’s action in Orlando, Florida. But in the coming days, he just might get a chance to suit up.
Cleveland Cavaliers Get A Positive Max Strus Update
Orlando Magic v Cleveland Cavaliers Max Strus
GettyMax Strus could make his 2025-2026 NBA season debut soon.
All season long, Strus has been recovering from a foot injury.
Over the offseason, he underwent surgery for a fracture and has yet to take the court this year. According to Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor, Strus is back in Cleveland.
via Chris Fedor, Cleveland.com: As the #Cavs are currently on this two-game road trip, injured Max Strus is back in Cleveland, on assignment with the Charge for the next few days, putting the finishing touches (he and the team hope) on this return-to-play process.
Chris Fedor
As the #Cavs are currently on this two-game road trip, injured Max Strus is back in Cleveland, on assignment with the Charge for the next few days, putting the finishing touches (he and the team hope) on this return-to-play process.
The veteran sharpshooter is on assignment with the Cavaliers’ G League affiliate, the Charge. Fedor notes that this will be the case for Strus for “the next few days.”
Right now, Strus is putting the “finishing touches” on his return process. Realistically, Strus could be back in action as early as Sunday, March 15.
A Delayed Run For The 2025-2026 NBA Season
Max Strus
GettyFormer Miami Heat guard, Max Strus.
The 28-year-old Strus is patiently waiting to debut for his third season with the Cavs.
He joined the team after a successful three-year stint with the Miami Heat. In year one with the Cavaliers, Strus appeared in 70 games. He averaged 12.2 points per game while shooting 35% from three.
During his second season with the Cavs, Strus played in 50 games, starting in 37 of those matchups, with slightly reduced playing time. In a different role, Strus averaged 9.4 points per game, while knocking down 38% of his shots from beyond the arc.
Before his time with the Cavs, Strus averaged 10.1 points on 37% shooting with the Heat. Before that, he had a short-lived run with the Chicago Bulls during the 2019-2020 season.
Strus entered the NBA after a run at DePaul in the NCAA. After being named Second-team All-Big East, Strus went undrafted. He didn’t truly carve out a role for himself in the NBA until he played under Erik Spoelstra on the Heat.
The State Of The Cleveland Cavaliers
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 11: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up prior to a game against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena on February 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
After some big trade deadline moves, the Cavaliers are in a great spot.
Sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 40-25 record, the Cavaliers are less than one game behind the New York Knicks for the third seed.
Strus has yet to play with the notable additions, James Harden and Keon Ellis, but he’s expected to benefit from their presence. It might take some time for Strus to establish a groove, since he hasn’t played since last season. But it seems the Cavs are fortunate to get him back soon.
The Cavaliers and the Magic will tip at 7:30 PM ET on Wednesday. If all goes right, Strus could be back on Sunday, March 15, against the Dallas Mavericks.