The Cleveland Cavaliers have dealt with several injuries this season, but it sounds like some of their players are on the mend, including Tristan Thompson, Rodney Hood, and Larry Nance Jr. According to a report from Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com, all three are “questionable” for Friday night’s home game against the Phoenix Suns.
Thompson, now 27 years of age, has been dealing with an ankle sprain since March 3. The former No. 4 overall pick (2011) has missed nine games due to the injury. In his 42 games played for the Cavs this season, Thompson has racked up averages of 6.3 points on 58.8 percent shooting from the field and 6.5 rebounds per contest.
Hood, 25, has missed four straight games due to lower back soreness. The former Duke Blue Devil has made 12 appearances with the Cavs this season (five starts), averaging 9.8 points on 40.7 percent shooting from the field (31.8 percent from beyond the arc), 2.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.
Nance Jr, also 25 years of age, was originally listed as “out” for Friday’s game due to a hamstring injury. However, after participating in Friday morning’s shootaround, the former Wyoming University standout has been upgraded to “questionable.” In his 13 appearances with the Cavs this season, Nance Jr. has turned in averages of 11.6 points on 60.6 percent shooting from the field, 7.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and just under one block (.9).
Nance Jr. served as the Cavs’ center while Kevin Love was out with a fractured bone in his left hand. We’ll have to wait and see how the team utilizes Nance Jr. in their rotation going forward.
Vardon also notes that Kyle Korver is still away from the team, as he’s still dealing with the death of his brother. Cedi Osman is still listed as “out” with a hip flexor strain.
“Just get our guys healthy,” said LeBron James, who is nursing a cold but will play tonight. “That’s the most important, as I continue to say. You’ll probably see it in every transcript I’ve said for the last 4-5 weeks. That’s just most important.”
Friday night’s Cavs-Suns game is scheduled to tip inside Quicken Loans Arena at 7:30 p.m. EST with FOX Sports Ohio having live broadcast coverage. Let’s see if Cleveland can keep their three-game winning streak rolling.