Irving returns, dons protective mask

Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving returned to the court Tuesday night after missing a game with a minor facial fracture.

Irving was inadvertently hit in the face by teammate Aron Baynes early during Friday’s win over the Hornets. He sat out Sunday when the Celtics beat Raptors for their 12th straight victory and returned to the lineup against the Nets.

Irving wore a mask on the court and said before the game that he may need to play with it for a couple of weeks.

He has worn a mask in the past to protect injuries and said while he doesn’t like it, he understands it’s necessary for his safety.

Hornets swingman Nicolas Batum will make his season debut Wednesday against the Cavaliers after missing the Hornets’ first 12 games because of an elbow injury. Hornets coach Steve Clifford said Tuesday that barring a “drastic” setback, Batum would start against the Cavs and play limited minutes. Batum averaged 15.1 points and 5.9 assists in 77 games last season. News services