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Kyrie Irving injury: Cavaliers point guard to start against Magic

After missing two-plus weeks with a biceps injury, the All-Star MVP will start Wednesday against the Magic.

Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving
Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The Orlando Magic will have to contend with the reigning All-Star MVP in Wednesday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Cleveland coach Mike Brown said before tipoff that Irving, who has missed the Cavs' last eight games due to a strained left biceps, will start against Orlando with "no minute restriction on him." He also indicated that Dion Waiters will remain in the Cavs' starting backcourt, moving Jarrett Jack to the bench.

"Kyrie's our best player," Brown said. "Being able to have him out on the floor is always a positive for us. It doesn't matter who we're playing. He brings a lot to the table for us on both ends of the floor."

About 15 minutes before Brown spoke to the media, one reporter asked Jacque Vaughn, his Orlando counterpart, how he prepared his team for the possibility that Irving would play.

"[At] this morning's shootaround, it was Kyrie/Waiters," said Vaughn. "They both can score 30, so the defense will be the same."

In 64 appearances, Irving is averaging 21.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game on 42.8 percent shooting.

Tipoff between Orlando and Cleveland is set for 7 PM on Fox Sports Florida.