Cavs' Irving clears to return to lineup

Cleveland Cavaliers rookie guard Kyrie Irving, who missed three games because of a concussion, has been cleared to return to the lineup. Irving was injured Feb. 7 when he was hit in the head by another player's knee. He participated in a full practice Tuesday but didn't meet NBA concussion protocols for return to the lineup until Cavaliers team physician Dr. A.J. Cianflocco said Wednesday that Irving would be allowed back on the court for a game. Cleveland plays host to the Indiana Pacers Wednesday night. Irving was the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft last summer. He's averaged 18.0 points, 5.1 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game over 23 games for the Cavaliers. The points-per-game average is a team high.