The Cleveland Cavaliers have been dealing with a multitude of injuries of late as Rodney Hood (back), Tristan Thompson (ankle), Larry Nance Jr. (hamstring) and Cedi Osman (hip flexor) have been sidelined. While Osman and Nance Jr. are unlikely to suit up tonight against the Toronto Raptors, there is a chance Hood and Thompson could be back after long absences.
After getting Kevin Love back in their last game from his broken left hand, Hood and Thompson are both listed as questionable tonight. If Thompson returns, he will likely start at center and Love will shift to power forward. Hood has a good shot at starting as well, given that Kyle Korver has been excused from the team after receiving news of his brother’s death.
Here’s more on Hood and Thompson from Cleveland.com’s Joe Vardon:
Tristan Thompson and Rodney Hood are considered “questionable” to play Wednesday against the East-leading Toronto Raptors, while Larry Nance Jr. is slated to miss his fourth consecutive game because of a right hamstring injury.
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Thompson sprained his right ankle on March 3 against Denver and has missed the last seven games. On Monday, acting head coach Larry Drew said Thompson “is really moving around real well. He’s pushing off the foot real well. He’s running up and down the floor real well so I would anticipate him being back very soon.”
If Thompson returns, the Cavs could start him at center and play Love at power forward against the Raptors.
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Drew said he would consult Tyronn Lue on those decisions if the players are indeed available to return.
Nance’s hamstring issue was and is still considered day to day, but it is perhaps more serious than anyone let on. Nance wanted to play last week but was held out for “precautionary” reasons and is still not ready to play.
