Finally, there is a sign that the Cavaliers may get back another starter. That would be none other than guard/forward Max Strus , who has been upgraded to “questionable” for Wednesday’s road game against the Charlotte Hornets.
True, that only means he may or may not play. But it sure beats “doubtful,” or as the case has been for the previous 12 games, “out.”
The Cavs just got back starting power forward Evan Mobley on Sunday following a nine-game absence with a sprained ankle. Mobley has been very good in the two games since he returned, recording 17 points, seven rebounds and a career-high eight assists in the home win over the Hornets on Monday.
He is expected to remain on a minutes restriction, though so far, he’s been productive enough that barely anyone has noticed.
Anyway, back to Strus. It’s not real clear what, exatcly, happened to his right knee or the exact moment it happened. All we know is the Cavs have been listing him as out with a knee strain since just after the All-Star break.
But coach J.B. Bickerstaff said he’s “hopeful” of getting back Strus, star guard Donovan Mitchell (knee/nose) and forward Dean Wade (knee) before the end of the regular season. With 10 games left, the clock is ticking.
“I believe we’ll have enough time to get everybody back to catch a rhythm and then get to where we want to get to,” Bickerstaff said on Monday.
The Cavs (44-28) remain in third place in the Eastern Conference, a half-game ahead of New York and 1.5 ahead of the Orlando Magic.
Strus last played on March 3 vs. the Knicks, presumably when the injury occurred. He is averaging 12.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists in his first season in Cleveland, shooting 41 percent from the field and 34 percent on 3-pointers. He’s appeared in 60 games.
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