Kyrie Irving could make his long-awaited return to the court when the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks meet again in Macao on Sunday, providing one of the biggest storylines ahead of the NBA's next preseason fixtures. The Dallas guard has been sidelined since March 2025, and his potential appearance would mark an important step in his recovery as the new season approaches.

The latest NBA Starting 5 edition, published October 10, also highlights a busy seven-game preseason schedule, the developing rivalry between young prospects Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson, and a renewed Eastern Conference matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics.

With the 2026-27 regular season approaching on October 21, teams are using these exhibition games to evaluate new combinations, assess returning players and build momentum before the results begin to count.

Kyrie Irving Could Return in the NBA China Games Finale

Irving is expected to make his preseason debut when Dallas faces Houston in the second game of their China series on Sunday, October 11. The contest will take place in Macao, where the NBA is continuing its international preseason program.

The veteran guard has been out of action since March 2025 because of injury. His possible return is therefore a significant development for a Mavericks team looking to establish its plans for the upcoming campaign.

Houston won the opening game of the two-match series 135-117 on Friday. Alperen Sengun recorded a triple-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, while rookie Cooper Flagg scored 19 points for Dallas.

The rematch offers the Mavericks another opportunity to assess their roster against a competitive opponent. However, Irving's participation remains a key point of interest rather than a confirmed appearance.

Kevin Durant is expected to rest for Sunday's game, according to the NBA's October 10 report.

The China series also carries historical significance. The NBA first played a game in China in 2004, when Houston featured Yao Ming, and the current visit continues the league's efforts to connect with international basketball audiences.

Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson Deliver an Early Rookie Showcase

Friday's preseason action produced another intriguing chapter in the developing rivalry between Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson.

Memphis defeated Chicago 104-100, with Wilson scoring 21 points and making five three-pointers for the Bulls. He scored 20 points in the second half and had an opportunity to win the game in the closing seconds.

Boozer contributed 10 points in just over 12 minutes for the Grizzlies, who ultimately held on for the victory.

Wilson, selected fourth overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, and Boozer, the third overall pick, are among the young players attracting attention ahead of their first regular-season campaigns.

Their contrasting performances offered an early glimpse of the scoring ability and competitive edge that could make their matchups worth watching as the season progresses.

Preseason results do not necessarily predict regular-season success, but games like this provide coaches with useful opportunities to evaluate how highly regarded prospects respond to pressure and contribute within their teams' systems.

Celtics and 76ers Renew Their Rivalry With New Rosters

Saturday's nationally televised schedule includes a matchup between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers, two Eastern Conference teams that have undergone significant changes.

The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern Time on NBA TV.

One of the biggest storylines is the blockbuster trade that sent Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia and Paul George to Boston. Their arrival in new surroundings gives both teams a different look and creates an early opportunity to assess how the reshaped rosters fit together.

Jayson Tatum is also facing an important leadership challenge as Boston adjusts to its new lineup. The Celtics will need to establish their offensive roles and defensive responsibilities before the regular season begins.

Philadelphia, meanwhile, is working to build chemistry around Brown and its other key players. LeBron James recorded 10 points, four rebounds and five assists in the 76ers' preseason game against Brooklyn on Thursday, offering a glimpse of his all-around contribution.

The result on Saturday will carry limited competitive weight, but the matchup should provide an early indication of how both teams are approaching the changes to their rosters.

Spurs and Suns Look for Their First Preseason Victory

The San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns are also scheduled to meet Saturday night, with both teams seeking their first win of the preseason.

The game is set for 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time and will be broadcast on ESPN2.

Victor Wembanyama remains central to San Antonio's plans as the team prepares for another campaign. The Spurs are coming off a defeat to the New York Knicks in the 2026 NBA Finals and will be looking to build a stronger foundation before the regular season opens.

Phoenix, meanwhile, is relying on a veteran core as it attempts to return to postseason contention. Dillon Brooks has led the Suns with an average of 17.5 points per game across their first two preseason outings.

For both teams, the priority is to develop cohesion, evaluate rotations and identify areas that need improvement. Their preseason records matter less than how effectively their players adapt to the demands of the upcoming season.

Anthony Edwards Adjusts to Minnesota's New Direction

The Minnesota Timberwolves are another team drawing attention as they integrate new pieces into their lineup.

Anthony Edwards is embracing his partnership with LaMelo Ball, whose arrival is expected to influence Minnesota's offensive approach. The move allows Edwards to return to his natural shooting guard position while Ball takes on a major role in organizing the offense.

The Timberwolves are hoping the new combination can improve their overall balance and help them compete more consistently in the Western Conference.

Elsewhere, Giannis Antetokounmpo is adjusting to life with the Miami Heat. The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player has spoken positively about the team's emphasis on communication, togetherness and demanding training standards.

His arrival gives Miami a major addition as the franchise seeks to strengthen its position in the Eastern Conference.

Both situations will require time to develop. Preseason games provide an opportunity to establish relationships on the court before teams face the intensity of the regular-season schedule.

Ten Teams Target a Return to the NBA Playoffs

The approach of the new season also puts the spotlight on franchises hoping to move back into playoff contention.

Brooklyn is continuing to build around its young talent after selecting five players in the first round of the 2025 Draft. The Nets added sixth overall pick Mikel Brown Jr. during the 2026 draft, giving the team another potential building block in the backcourt.

Chicago is also developing a younger core featuring Wilson, Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey, alongside experienced additions Norman Powell and Nic Claxton.

Indiana could benefit from Tyrese Haliburton's reported full recovery, while Utah has added highly rated prospect Darryn Peterson and expects Jaren Jackson Jr. to play a larger role after appearing in only three games for the team following his midseason arrival.

These teams face different challenges, but their immediate objective is similar: turn offseason changes into consistent performances once the regular season begins.

What to Watch in the Coming Days

The NBA preseason continues to provide important clues about player availability, team chemistry and potential breakout performers.

Irving's expected return is among the most significant individual storylines, particularly given how long he has been away from competitive action. The Rockets-Mavericks rematch will also give both teams another chance to evaluate their developing lineups.

Saturday's schedule offers several additional points of interest, from the reconfigured Celtics and 76ers to the Spurs' next step under Wembanyama and the Timberwolves' evolving backcourt.

The regular season begins October 21, leaving teams with limited time to finalize their rotations and prepare for the opening games. As preseason action continues, the focus will increasingly shift from individual performances to whether the league's reshaped rosters can deliver on their expectations.