The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing roster challenges as Isaac Okoro's shoulder injury requires him to be listed on the injury report while Duncan Robinson prepares to return. Coach Kenny Atkinson must navigate minutes for players and find creative solutions to fill the void left by Okoro's absence.
The Cleveland Cavaliers face a dilemma with the addition of Duncan Robinson back into the rotation and the absence of Isaac Okoro due to a right shoulder AC joint sprain. Okoro 's injury, confirmed by an MRI, will require him to be listed on the injury report and his return timeline remains uncertain. The Cavs, currently positioned atop the league standings, have relied on collective contributions from their roster.
Strus’ reentry into the rotation, expected to come with a strict minutes restriction, complicates matters further — particularly with Okoro sidelined. If Strus returns this week, Okoro’s absence, leaving a vacancy in the lineup that demands creative solutions, will force the coaching staff to make different decisions than if both small forwards were available. Dean Wade, who logged valuable minutes at small forward earlier in the season, is poised to take on an expanded role again. His floor-spacing ability and defensive versatility make him a logical choice to help offset Strus’ limited workload. The Cavs will rely heavily on their depth to maintain their momentum while gradually reintegrating Strus into the fold. “Every time we think we’re getting to 11, something happens and we’re at 10,” head coach Kenny Atkinson said about managing his rotations after practice on Wednesday, which Okoro didn’t participate in. “It’s a little bit cross that bridge when we come to it. But in my mind, it’s possible we play 11, but not definite. It’s really going to depend on who’s available.” Okoro’s setback interrupts a breakout stretch that has underscored the value of his new $38 million contract, $33 million of which is guaranteed. The former fifth overall pick has started the season on fire, posting career-best shooting splits with 49.5% from the field and 49.2% from beyond the arc, the second-best mark in the league. Defensively, Okoro’s impact has been undeniable, as he’s consistently neutralized opposing star guards, earning him recognition as an emerging 3-and-D force in the league
CAVALIERS OKORO INJURY STRUS ROTATION
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