Every ache and pain from the stars of the Cleveland Cavaliers will be closely monitored and reported on throughout the season. The preseason is only the beginning, but that is what comes with a roster filled with super star potential. So when players like Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love went down in practice and games with apparent injuries, panic set in. However, head coach David Blatt is downplaying any long-term concerns, noting these issues are all minor.
Irving went down in a practice after center Anderson Varejao stepped on his ankle. The point guard has not been seen since, not playing in any of the preseason games to date. Irving took to Twitter to downplay any long-term issues from the injury, saying he just would take some time to heal. Blatt told the media that Irving is officially back with the team and healthy and he expects for the point guard to play in the preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday. According to Blatt, he is anxious to get everyone on the court to begin building chemistry as the "big 3" of the Cavaliers have not gotten much join playing time together.
That might be the case again against the Dallas Mavericks as both Love and James are expected to miss the game due to neck and back injuries. Love left the preseason game against the Indiana Pacers reporting a stiff neck. Blatt notes that the power forward is healthy, but the team is opting to sit him for rest. Through four preseason games, Love is averaging 15.8 points and 6.5 rebounds. James was also complaining of a back issue and Blatt was once again forced to call off the media and promise nothing was serious.
The preseason injuries are helping determine more of the depth chart for bench players. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Matthew Dellavedova has been excelling as a point guard backup for Irving. That was a concern or the Cavaliers heading into the season. However, AJ Price is challenging him for the spot. Price looked like he was poised to not make the team at all, but he has impressed Blatt so far.
Another position up for grabs is the big man role and judging by the pattern of the preseason, Tristan Thompson will be the starter over Varejao for the time being. Dion Waiters will start at guard alongside James, Love and Irving.
