Is Kyrie Irving playing tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers? | December 26th, 2022 | 2022-23 NBA Season

Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets are preparing for Monday night's road game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

After a slow start to the 2022-23 season, things have started to heat up for the Nets (21-12), who are one of the NBA's hottest teams. They currently find themselves in fourth place in the Eastern Conference.

Brooklyn remains just half a game behind the Cleveland Cavaliers (22-12) for third place in the East. That means that Monday night's game could have extra meaning.

The Nets were 1-5 after their first six games of the season. But life in the NBA can change at the snap of a finger. The team now finds itself in the midst of an eight-game winning streak. That includes consecutive wins over the Golden State Warriors and Milwaukee Bucks.

For Kyrie Irving, Monday night's return to Cleveland could carry special meaning as well, as it's where he began his career in the NBA.

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Brooklyn Nets superstar Kyrie Irving expected to play against Cleveland Cavaliers

Brooklyn Nets superstar guard Kyrie Irving is available for Monday night's game.

Brooklyn Nets superstar guard Kyrie Irving is available for Monday night's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Irving sat out Brooklyn's game on Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors, a 143-113 win.

The superstar guard returned on Friday against the Bucks, finishing with 18 points, nine rebounds and six assists in 35 minutes of a 118-100 win.

The Nets have been on a roll lately, winning eight consecutive games and 12 of 13, and have skyrocketed up the standings in the Eastern Conference. After a disastrous start to the season, Brooklyn finds itself just 2.5 games behind first place in the East.

Monday night's game will be the first game of a three-game road trip for the Nets. After facing the Cavaliers, Brooklyn will have two more road games. Brooklyn will next match up against the Atlanta Hawks (17-16) and Charlotte Hornets (9-24). It's a critical stretch for the Nets, who will be on the road for 11 of their next 13 games. Brooklyn is 9-7 on the road this season.

Irving, who was the Rookie of the Year in 2011-12 after the Cavaliers made him the No. 1 pick in 2011. has impressed during Brooklyn's recent stretch of victories. In his last six games, Irving has averaged 29.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. He's also shooting 51.2%, including 38.5% from 3-point range during that span.