Cavs' Irving reportedly ready to play, but won't return Tuesday

Kyrie Irving will not play Tuesday when the Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Boston Celtics.

Head coach David Blatt opened the door to a possible return for the All-Star point guard on the Cavs' current two-game road swing, but it won't happen.

Irving is physically "ready to play," according to a source of ESPN's Dave McMenamin, but the Cavaliers - fully intent on keeping their legs as fresh as possible for the postseason - are exercising extreme caution in managing his recovery from knee surgery.

After Tuesday, the Cavaliers return home to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on TNT Thursday, and then host the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks.

On Christmas Day, Cleveland's set for a Finals rematch against the Golden State Warriors.

The holiday period was the unofficial estimate for Irving's return since he underwent surgery in June. Blatt said Sunday that Irving is "looking good" in practice, which he's participated in without restrictions for more than a week. Last month, it was reported he'd need to practice without setbacks for one week before being given the green light to play.

The Cavaliers saw the return of another key member of their backcourt Friday against the Orlando Magic, with Iman Shumpert making his season debut after having wrist surgery.