The Cleveland Cavaliers will be without one of their key players to start the 2024-25 season. The Cavaliers will be without their star forward and sharpshooter, Max Strus, to start the year due to a right ankle sprain.
Strus will be out for at least six weeks.
ESPN’s Shams Charania shared the news via Twitter/X.
Cavs say Max Strus will miss at least six weeks due to a right ankle sprain.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 19, 2024
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images
Strus was already dealing with a hip injury, but now he will be out due to an ankle issue. He suffered the injury during a workout on Thursday.
The team announced on Saturday that Strus underwent an X-ray and MRI to confirm the severity of the sprain before determining the six-week reassessment timeline.
The 28-year-old was expected to be ready to go for Opening Night while recovering from his hip injury, but now he will be sidelined until at least early December. In his absence, the Cavaliers will look to rely on Isaac Okoro, Caris LeVert, and Dean Wade to play increased minutes and make up for the slack.
Strus missed two preseason games with a hip contusion before the ankle issue that kept him out of their preseason finale against the Chicago Bulls. Last season, his first with the Cavs, he played and started in 70 regular season games and 12 playoff games before being eliminated by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the playoffs.
It’s certainly a blow to the Cavs. Before the incident took place, Cavs guard Darius Garland discussed how new head coach Kenny Atkinson wanted the starting five, which included Strus, to approach games.
“Kenny’s a big three-point attempt guy,” Garland said. “So we try to get as many threes as we can. Try to get out in transition, walk-up threes. He’s been on me and [Donovan Mitchell] about those in transition as well. Even Max [Strus] when he’s open.”
Strus’ first season in Cleveland was arguably the best of his career. He averaged 12.2 points per game (a career-high), 4.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 0.9 steals while shooting 41.8 percent from the field and 35.1 percent from three, attempting 6.8 threes a game.
The Cavaliers will look to take the next step in the 2024-25 season after an impressive season prior. According to Fan Duel Sportsbook, Cleveland has the 12th best odds to win the 2025 NBA title, tied with the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Lakers with +4000 odds.
The Cavaliers open up their season on Wednesday, Oct. 23, against the Toronto Raptors.
More news: Lakers Make Big Roster Change Prior to Season Start
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