The Cleveland Cavaliers ended last season injured and are starting this season the same way. They didn’t have two members of their starting lineup in their season opener against the New York Knicks. That
trend could continue when they take on the Brooklyn Nets on Friday.
The Cavs will once again be without Darius Garland (toe) and Max Strus (broken foot). Garland is getting closer to returning based on what he’s saying. Strus is expected to be out much longer.
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Starting small forward De’Andre Hutner missed Friday’s game as well with a right knee contusion. He suffered this injury during Cleveland’s last preseason game against the Detroit Pistons. Hunter said after the injury that he would be “alright” for the season opener before eventually not being able to play.
Hunter’s status for Friday’s game against Brooklyn is still up in the air. He’s currently listed as questionable on the injury report, but according to Danny Cunningham of Locked On Cavs, he was able to go through a lengthy on-court workout on Thursday. We’ll see if that translates to playing on Friday.
If Hunter is unable to go, Jaylon Tyson will likely get the start again at small forward.
The Cavaliers had a lack of players who could create their own shots in their loss to the Knicks. They weren’t able to get to the rim well and often settled for jump shots. While taking threes is good, a healthy offense should also be taking a high percentage of its shots at the rim.
Hunter isn’t someone who’s going to consistently get to the basket, but he does have the ability to create for himself off the dribble and is an excellent spot-up shooter who would open up the floor more than a player like Tyson or Dean Wade. Getting him back would help this offense.
Hunter had a tremendous preseason. He averaged 17 points on .593/.700/.923 shooting splits in 18.7 minutes per game in three exhibition outings.
The Nets will be without Haywood Highsmith (right knee), Drake Powell (ankle sprain), and Danny Wolf (ankle sprain) for Friday’s game.
