Cleveland, OH (92.3 The Fan) – Kevin Love will take contact during Thursday's practice according to Cavaliers head coach Larry Drew. It will be the first time he takes contact since having toe surgery in November.
Love has been ramping up his activity in recent weeks, but hasn't played 5-on-5 yet. How his body responds will be critical in determining when he plays in a game.
"He won't play tomorrow and chances are he won't play this week," Drew said. "We still want to get him the ball with some contact to see how he does with that and then see how he is the following day."
Here’s Kevin Love at today’s practice #Cavs fans pic.twitter.com/auaFV7bMr1
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) January 28, 2019David Nwaba is getting close to a return. He's expected to practice this week in hopes of returning soon. Nwaba hasn't played since December 23rd.
David Nwaba is ramping it up too and will take contact in practice this week. His return is still unknown, but he’s getting closer #Cavs pic.twitter.com/rCm0krYb3j
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) January 28, 2019Other Cavs Notes
Matthew Dellavedova played instead of Collin Sexton down the stretch during Sunday's 104-101 win over Chicago.
"It was more about Delly playing well. I thought he did a great job when he was in there of keeping us organized, getting us into our sets and just making good plays. Not only did I want to reward him by playing him down the stretch for how he had played prior, but we had such a great flow when he was in the game."
"I'm going to take chances with things. I'm going to take some gambles with different things. Some will work, some will not and then I have to live with my decision."
This team was desperate for a win. It makes sense that Drew subbed in a veteran who gave them the best chance to snap their six-game losing streak.
Cedi Osman is averaging 19.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists. The 23-year-old is hitting his stride, which is huge, especially considering Love, Nwaba and others could return to the lineup sooner rather than later. The 'unwatchable' Cavaliers could be watchable in the near future, assuming they get and stay healthy.
