The Cleveland Cavaliers will have to find a way to hold the ship steady with forward Kevin Love still expected to be out 2-3 weeks with a broken hand, according to Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com.
The Cavs have struggled since their rampant four-game win streak following the trade deadline, but have gone only 4-6 in their last 10 games, costing them the third spot in the East, which is now owned by the Indiana Pacers.
According to Pluto, Love’s broken hand is healing well and his admission of his panic attacks along with some counseling has him “in a much better state of mind,” per sources close to the situation.
The Cavs have been beaten on the glass in their last few games, making Love’s presence that much more vital as a double-digit rebounder for this team.
Cleveland is often forced to play out of position, with newcomer Larry Nance Jr. manning the center spot without much experience at the position as a full-time starter.
The Cavs have also been worn thin at the surrounding positions with Cedi Osman bound to miss the next two weeks with a hip flexor strain and former starter Tristan Thompson out for at least another week with an ankle injury.
Love’s impending return is no longer a reason to hope for Cleveland reaching for the top spot, but now merely the team’s hope to remain in the top-four of the Eastern Conference playoff picture, as the Washington Wizards stand within a hair of catching up to them, only a half game behind in fifth place.