The Cleveland Cavaliers will be without All-Star power forward Kevin Love for the second straight game on Monday when they host the Brooklyn Nets. Larry Nance Jr. will start in Love’s place for the Cavs.
Cleveland is 5-11 on the season. Love, a five-time All-Star, is averaging 17.9 points, 11.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. He’s shooting 44.6 percent from the field, 35.7 percent from beyond the arc and 89.0 percent from the free-throw line.
Love is making $28,942,830 this season. He has three years left on his contract with the Cavs after this season ends. A bevy of contenders would love to acquire Love if he’s ever made available in trade talks by Cleveland. The Portland Trail Blazers have been mentioned as a team by pundits who should look to acquire Love if the Cavs are ready to trade him.
In 14 games this season for the Cavs, Nance Jr. is putting up 9.9 points and 7.0 rebounds. The high-flyer is shooting 52.5 percent overall, 36.6 percent from beyond the arc and 72.0 percent from the free-throw line.
Cleveland isn’t expected to compete for a playoff spot this season. The Cavs are more focused on developing Collin Sexton, Cedi Osman, Darius Garland, Kevin Porter Jr. and Nance Jr.