Cleveland Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving, Iman Shumpert appear close to return

All-Star guard Kyrie Irving and Cleveland Cavaliers teammate Iman Shumpert could be close to returning and might be able to play as soon as this weekend.

Irving has been out since breaking his left kneecap in Game 2 of the NBA Finals last season against the Golden State Warriors. Shumpert has missed the first 21 games of this season with a wrist injury that required surgery before training camp.

Irving or Shumpert could play Friday night in Orlando against the Magic or Tuesday in Boston.

Both players were able to make it through a third full practice on Thursday in Cleveland. They'll be on the team's upcoming road trip, coach David Blatt said.

Blatt cautioned that while both players could be back soon, there's no assurance that either will play during the trip.

Without Irving and Shumpert, the Cavs have compiled a 14-7 record that is the best in the Eastern Conference.