After tweaking his hamstring in the second half of Friday night’s win over the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers Head Coach Tyronn Lue has decided to hold Kyrie Irving out tonight’s match-up against the Charlotte Hornets.
Kyrie Irving will miss tonight's game, still nursing a sore hamstring. Jordan McRae will start in his place.
— Joe Gabriele (@CavsJoeG) December 31, 2016
Coach Lue has elected to start Jordan McRae in place of the ailing Irving. So far this season, McRae is averaging 3.9 points and 1.2 rebounds per game. The crafty guard hasn’t had much playing time this season, so this should be an opportunity for him to log some quality minutes.
Irving spoke to the media after Friday night’s victory with regards to his hamstring.
Just tightened up, that’s all. I took a spill with (LeBron James) in the first half. I threw a pass to Tristan (Thompson) in the middle (of the) lane, and me and Bron bumped knees. Then my calf started getting tight and my hammy started to get tight. I felt better coming out of the second half. Then when I did that last layup, it started to cramp up. That’s all.”
Irving’s injury doesn’t appear to be too serious. Coach Lue is likely holding his star point guard out of tonight’s game for precautionary measures.
