CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Matthew Dellavedova could make his long-awaited season debut Thursday night for the Cavaliers.
Dellavedova practiced Wednesday, along with forward Kevin Love.
“He’s feeling good,” head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said of Dellavedova. “Obviously we’ll evaluate in the morning, but my expectation is, hopeful there will be a Delly sighting [Thursday] night.”
Dellavedova has been sidelined this season after suffering another concussion during the Cavs preseason opener and his return was then slowed by an appendectomy in late February.
“Definitely seems like forever to think about how long he’s been out and how many games he missed,” guard Collin Sexton said. “But definitely excited to see him back out there in practice and going through the plays, it’s amazing to see his full recovery. It’s good. I’m definitely glad to have him back.
“I said, ‘Don’t go out there and give out six fouls in the first three minutes.’ He just laughed about it.”
Bickerstaff is anxious to get the scrappy veteran on the floor.
“He just helps organize and put guys in the right place,” Bickerstaff said. “The competition level rises when he steps on the floor. Defensively he gets after you. He is the old school coach’s dream. He makes your job easier on both sides of the ball. He makes his teammates take a step up because of the way he plays the game.
“Again, we’re hopeful, and definitely looking forward to it.”
Love continues to be sidelined by a calf injury suffered during the preseason that has limited his appearances this season to just four games.
“He'll get evaluated by the medical group and we'll see the response tomorrow and we'll go from there,” Bickerstaff said.
Larry Nance Jr., Jarrett Allen and Dylan Windler did not practice Wednesday as Cleveland prepares to host the Philadelphia 76ers Thursday night.
Bickerstaff said Windler “was checked out” by doctors Tuesday and they are awaiting results of tests.