Isaac Okoro out at least two weeks with shoulder injury

The 23-year-old was injured in the third quarter of Monday’s victory over Brooklyn, when Cavs blew out the Nets by 29 points. Okoro finished with 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting in 20 minutes.

A former No. 5 overall pick who re-signed with the Cavs on a three-year deal as a restricted free agent over the offseason, Okoro has started 16 of the 23 games in which he’s appeared in 2024-25 (21.0 minutes per game). While his offensive role has been modest, the athletic guard/forward is often given the most difficult perimeter assignments on defense, and he’s shooting a career-best 49.2% from long distance (30-of-61).

Aside from Max Strus, who has yet to make his season debut as he recovers from an ankle injury, the Cavaliers have been relatively healthy to open ’24-25. That’s always a helpful factor for any team, but Cleveland has certainly taken advantage of its opportunities, as the team has the best record in the NBA (23-4).

Based on the timeline the Cavs gave, Okoro will miss at least six games, with the earliest possible return date being Jan. 3 at Dallas. While he’s sidelined, LeVert, Dean Wade, Sam Merrill and — if he returns soon — Strus are among the wings who could receive more playing time.