Cavs' Irving returns from back injury Wednesday

The Cleveland Cavaliers received some much-needed good news Wednesday: All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving is back. 

Irving was forced to leave Sunday's loss to the Dallas Mavericks with back tightness and subsequently missed the team's most embarrassing defeat of the season Monday. The hobbled Cavaliers were shocked by the Philadelphia 76ers, losing 95-92 to fall to 1-4 since superstar LeBron James was forced to the sidelines with knee and back strains. 

But Cleveland will have Irving, the team's second-leading scorer, running the point for a tough matchup against the 23-11 Houston Rockets, and potentially another boost from a fresh face.

Recently-acquired swingman J.R. Smith has a chance to make his Cavaliers debut if Monday's three-team deal with the New York Knicks and Oklahoma City Thunder is completed in time. The deal is not yet official.