One of the best aspects of premier matchups at the beginning of the season is that both teams are typically healthy. Unfortunately, that won’t be the case for the season opener between the Cleveland Cavaliers
and the New York Knicks. Both teams will be without at least a few key players.
The Knicks have ruled out both starting center Mitchell Robinson due to a left ankle injury and versatile guard Josh Hart due to lower back spasms. Both players have been thorns in the Cavs’ side in previous matchups.
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Additionally, New York may be without two other starters as well. All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns is questionable for Wednesday’s contest with a right quad strain. Starting small forward OG Anunoby is probable to play with a left ankle sprain.
We’ll see how newly hired head coach Mike Brown handles the front-court rotation if Towns isn’t able to go. You’d presume the 6’7” Guerschon Yabusele is starting in place of Robinson. If Towns can’t go, Brown would likely shift Mikal Bridges and Anunoby up in the lineup and play smaller by inserting Miles McBride into the starting backcourt.
Either way, the Cavs should have an advantage in the front court even if Towns can go. Cleveland has plenty of size up front with Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. The addition of Larry Nance Jr. in the offseason should allow them to continue to play big in lineups when one of their starting forwards is off the court. That isn’t something they had the luxury of doing in previous years.
The Cavs and Knicks only play three times this regular season. It’s a shame we won’t be able to see this first matchup with either of the teams fully healthy. Hopefully, that changes for their second meeting on Christmas Day.
