The Cleveland Cavaliers will not be getting either Max Strus or Dean Wade back in the immediate future. That said, head coach Kenny Atkinson seems to believe that both will be making a return to the lineup shortly.
Strus hasn’t played a regular season game yet this season. He injured his ankle in practice before the season and was to be reevaluated in six weeks. That reevaluation timetable is coming up. According to Atkinson, he’s taking steps towards returning.
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“There’s no timetable yet, but he’s progressing quickly,” Atkinson said before Sunday’s matchup with the Boston Celtics.
Wade is also making progress toward returning. He’s missed seven games this season and will likely miss a few more. That said, Wade is doing on-court work.
“I saw him on court yesterday,” Atkinson said. “He’s sprinting up and down, moving well. I don’t think he’s gotten to the contact stage yet. So that means he’s getting closer, and progressing. But I don’t see him playing next game.”
The Cavs defense has missed Wade. Before his recent injury, they registered the ninth-ranked defense in the league with a 112.5 defensive rating. Since Nov. 18, they’ve had the 21st defense in the league with a 118 defensive rating. Wade isn’t the only reason for the fall-off, but his absence does play a role.
Wade is averaging averaging 5.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists on .393/.353/.417 shooting splits on the season.