The Cleveland Cavaliers can’t afford to have any more injuries right now, but that’s really something they do not have complete control over. And that’s exactly what they learned Wednesday night, when Cavs power forward Kevin Love appeared to hurt his left hand – again.
While trying to play the passing lane in the fourth quarter between Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo and big man Myles Turner, Love’s left hand was hit by the ball, hurting his thumb in the process. Love would get taken out of the game afterward and was not able to make his way back into the action.
Before exiting the game, Love was able to contribute 15 points on 5-for-16 shooting from the field with two 3-pointers and eight rebounds in 34 minutes on the court to help Cleveland eke out a close 100-97 win, tying the series, 1-1.
It should be noted that it was the same hand that Kevin Love hurt earlier this year that caused him to miss a number of games, so this should be a point of concern for the Cavs, whose slim frontline could get even more vulnerable in case Love would need time away from the game to recover.
Based on the observation of Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Love did not try to ice his hand after hurting his thumb, which could be a good sign, but until further notice by the team, Love should be deemed questionable for Game 3.
Kevin Love was the first Cavs player off the court and headed into the locker room after the final buzzer. There was no wrap or ice in his left hand, but he was elevating his arm slightly and had a stoic look on his face.
In case Love sits that game out, the Cavs will have to rely on Tristan Thompson, Ante Zizic, and Larry Nance. Jr. to hold the fort in the paint.