This year’s All-Star festivities are slated to feature all three members of the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers’ Big Three. However, according to reports, one member of the trio might not be able to participate in this year’s games.
Kevin Love was involved in a knee-to-knee collision during Cleveland’s 125-109 win over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night. Subsequently, on Sunday, Love underwent an MRI after complaining of pain both during and after the game. The Cavs have not released the results of the procedure, stating they weren’t ready to do so.
In his recent article, Joe Vardon of cleveland.com reports that Love will get a second opinion on his injured knee this Tuesday. It seems the smooth-shooting big man could be out for longer than the Cavs initially expected.
I would love to be able to tell you that he’ll miss three games and be back, but I can’t right now because we don’t know,” general manager David Griffin told cleveland.com.
Love was ruled out for Tuesday’s match-up in Minnesota against the Timberwolves on Sunday, two days before the teams are scheduled to play. At this point, it’s likely he’ll be unavailable for Wednesday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers as well. The knee injury could could even put a damper on Love’s fourth NBA All-Star selection. The fact that the Cavs need a second opinion on Love’s knee is worrisome (implying that the first doctor’s diagnosis of Love’s knee injury wasn’t a positive one).
The Cavs are already dealing with several injuries to their lineup, including J.R. Smith’s fractured thumb and Iman Shumpert’s sprained ankle. Chris “Birdman” Andersen, who was traded to the Charlotte Hornets earlier today, was also among the Cavaliers’ injured.
Always concerned when guys are going down,” Cavs Head Coach Tyronn Lue tells cleveland.com. “And we’re already limited as it is. Definitely concerned, but gotta see how he feels. Just, get evaluated tomorrow and see how he feels.”
Love, who has missed seven games this season, is averaging 20.0 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. Needless to say, the Cavs will miss the former UCLA stand-out’s double-double effort if he is indeed sidelined for an extended period of time.