INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) — Kevin Love’s left knee injury has the Cavaliers
concerned about the All-Star forward, who will get a second opinion while his
teammates are in Minnesota.
Love has been ruled out of Tuesday’s game against the Timberwolves, his former
team, and there is a strong possibility he’ll miss more time. The Cavs host
Indiana on Wednesday in their final game before the All-Star break.
Love, who is averaging 20 points and 11.1 rebounds for the defending NBA
champions, is scheduled to play for the Eastern Conference in the All-Star game
Saturday at New Orleans.
The 28-year-old complained of soreness and had swelling following Saturday’s win
over Denver. He underwent an MRI on Sunday, and while the Cavs have not
disclosed results of the procedure, the fact that Love will visit another doctor
suggests that something was detected.
The new injury comes after Love had seemingly moved past a back issue. He missed
several games with spasms but said he and the team had figured out a treatment
program that has the problem under control.
It’s not known when Love hurt his knee. He scored 16 points with nine rebounds
and five assists in 34 minutes against the Nuggets.
Following Monday’s practice, Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said he’s anxious about
Love’s injury.
“Always concerned when guys are going down,” Lue said. “And we’re already
limited as it is. Definitely concerned, but gotta see how he feels. Just get
evaluated tomorrow and see how he feels.”
Lue said doesn’t know if Love’s knee injury is connected with his lower back
ailment or if he’ll play in the All-Star game.
Channing Frye will start in Love’s spot against the Timberwolves.
Love’s injury complicates things for the Cavs, who seem to have found a rhythm
following a 7-8 January. Cleveland has won five of six and leads the Eastern
Conference by 2+ games over Boston.
However, the Cavs have yet to be at full strength as guard J.R. Smith continues
to recover following thumb surgery. Guard Iman Shumpert is close to returning
after missing three games with a sprained left ankle.
On Monday, Cleveland traded forward Chris “Birdman” Andersen and cash
considerations to Charlotte for a protected 2017 second-round draft pick. The
move creates a roster spot and gives the Cavs another asset to use in future
deals.
Love’s name has been floated in trade rumors for weeks, but those have finally
dissipated after both the four-time All-Star and Lue dismissed the speculation
about his future.
