The Cleveland Cavaliers have just confirmed that forward Larry Nance Jr. will be out for the team’s season opener against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.
This confirmation does not come as a shock, as Nance was already questionable to suit up against the Raptors due to a sore right ankle. The 6-foot-9 big man sprained his ankle in practice last Thursday after accidentally landing on a teammate’s foot.
Tristan Thompson will get the nod at the starting center spot, with cornerstone star Kevin Love playing his natural position at power forward.
Swingman J.R. Smith is likewise nursing a sore right elbow and is also unavailable for head coach Tyronn Lue on Wednesday.
The Cavs’ next game is on Friday against the drama-filled Minnesota Timberwolves, and it does not appear that either Nance or Smith will be ready for that one. Nonetheless, neither injuries are considered to be anything serious, so we should see these two make their season debut sooner rather than later.
While Smith is slated for more of a reserve role this season, Nance, on the other hand, is expected to play a big part in the Cavs’ plans this season. Entering his second season with the team, many are predicting a breakout year for the 25-year-old now that he is no longer playing in the shadow of LeBron James. The big man just signed a four-year contract extension earlier in the week.