On Thursday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers will kick off their four-game road trip with a nationally-televised matchup against the Houston Rockets. The Cavs, now 2nd in the Central Division with a 5-6 record, will be without the services of former MVP Derrick Rose, according to a report from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
“Cleveland Cavaliers guard Derrick Rose will miss Thursday’s game against the Houston Rockets because of continuing discomfort in his left ankle,” McMenamin writes in his recent article.
“The Cavs will start Iman Shumpert in Rose’s place, sources said.”
Rose, now 29 years of age, has missed four games so far this season due to a sprained left ankle he sustained in Cleveland’s second game of the 2017-18 season (a 116-97 road win against the Milwaukee Bucks). For the record, the former Memphis Tiger standout is the third leading scorer for the Cavaliers. Through his seven appearances in a Wine and Gold uniform this season, “D-Rose,” as he’s known, has posted averages of 14.3 points on 47 percent shooting from the field, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists.
Rose’s status for Saturday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks is still unclear, according to McMenamin. Without question, the Cavs will miss his relentless motor. Cleveland’s “next man up” mentality will be in full effect until the crafty ball-handler is able to return to action.
Other players listed on the Cavs’ injury report include Tristan Thompson (left knee strain) and Isaiah Thomas (right hip).
Thursday night’s game is slated to tip at 8 p.m. EST with TNT having live broadcast coverage. Let’s see how the Cavs fare against one of the best offensive teams in the NBA.