The Cleveland Cavaliers begin their Hollywood trip against the L.A. Clippers, but they will finish the night incomplete after shooter Rodney Hood was deemed unable to return due to a lower back strain.
The Cavs are coming off a spirited win over the Denver Nuggets on the road as they entered Tinseltown. The game against the Clippers began with Cleveland having their backs against the wall and without an answer for DeAndre Jordan inside the paint.
Hood had already been part of head coach Tyronn Lue’s starting unit for quite a while, providing a steady offensive presence with his shooting and, when engaged, some flashes of solid defensive plays thanks to his length and athleticism.
The Cavs brought in a trade deadline haul that included the former Duke University standout coming from the Utah Jazz. He has already missed a bunch of games early this season due to injuries despite averaging a career-high 16.8 points nightly prior to his arrival in Cleveland.
In 10 games for the Cavs so far, with three starts, Hood has managed to put up 11.2 points per game. His shots and touches have been lessened, but his looks have been easier and he’s now playing for a larger prize — an NBA championship.
Hood may eventually go back to his old role off the bench when All-Star power forward Kevin Love returns to action from a broken hand. By then, the Cavs will be more dangerous and his role will become steadier as part of the prolific second unit for the defending Eastern Conference title holders.