24.2 points and 5.9 assists are very difficult to cover even if LeBron James is on your team. That’s what the Cleveland Cavaliers missed in their last game against the New York Knicks as Kyrie Irving was held out due to an injury.
Irving’s absence forced LeBron James to play 39 minutes against an idle Knicks team, which is far from ideal for the Cavs who are looking to limit James’ extended exposure on the court in preparation for a deep postseason run.
Fortunately, things will get better on Monday versus the Washington Wizards as the East’s starting point guard in the All-Star Game is set to return to action, per Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com.
Irving’s absence further emphasized the defending champions’ need for another playmaker. The loss of Matthew Dellavedova in free agency is now beginning to hurt the team, while Kay Felder hasn’t looked like someone who can pick up things when Irving sits down in the playoffs.
Irving will go head-to-head against Wizards star John Wall at the one spot in another duel between two of the East’s most exciting playmakers.
