Kenny Atkinson informed reporters, including SNY's Ian Begley, that Kyrie Irving practiced Wednesday and is expected to play Friday in the Nets' preseason finale against the Toronto Raptors.

"He practiced today and played really well. He looked good," Atkinson said. "We had an intra-squad scrimmage today, Black-Gray, especially to get Kyrie some more up and down work."

"He'll play Friday. We'll see if it's his normal minutes, obviously he's missed some time, so we'll see about that."

Irving suffered a facial fracture over the summer and started the Net's first preseason game in China against the Lakers with a mask on.

But Irving had to leave the game after taking a shoulder to the face from Rajon Rondo in the opening minute of play and did not return. Irving missed the second China game as well with the injury.

"He was great up until the hit in the face," Atkinson said of Irving. "He's had to play catchup a little bit. I was pleased, as much as he's been out, I was pleased with his performance today (in practice). He's definitely behind a little bit. It's normal."

Did he need another X-Ray?

"That's a good question," Atkinson said. "I do think we looked at it again. And there was no need for surgery. Atkinson said it's unclear if Irving will play his normal allotment on Friday."

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