Cleveland Cavaliers forward Lamar Stevens was listed as doubtful on the Cavs’ injury report before Friday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks as he deals with a non-COVID-related illness, according to a Friday morning tweet from Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor.
Lamar Stevens, a third-year forward for the Cavaliers, has only seen his role increase since first signing a two-way contract with the Cavs in 2020. Guard Donovan Mitchell said Lamar Stevens’ ability to hold himself and the rest of the team accountable throughout an important season for a young Cavaliers team became a huge spark when competing with the best in the Eastern Conference.
“It’s easy to speak on his defense, because that’s what we know,” Mitchell said in a postgame press conference. “I think offensively, he has a growing confidence.
“He’s shooting the ball with confidence. He’s able to get into the paint, drive and kick and get to the free throw line… being able to do so many things is going to help the team off of being confident, being able to make plays and understanding the offense.”
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff hinted at making rotational changes amid the Cavs’ five-game losing streak as they looked for a temporary answer at the small forward spot once forward Evan Mobley rotated to the center spot in place of an injured Jarrett Allen and forward Kevin Love took up the starting mantle at the power forward in a mid-November practice. Steven’s defensive ability, Bickerstaff added last Thursday, helped him fit with his team’s ability to get defensive stops when they need it the most.
“(Stevens) has got great poise,” Bickerstaff said. “He’s not afraid of the moment.
“There’s not a matchup he doesn’t believe he’s got the favor in.”
The Cavs will tip off against the Bucks at 8 p.m. EST this Friday at Fiserv Forum. The game will be broadcasted on Bally Sports Ohio.