The Cleveland Cavaliers are dealing with a plethora of injuries to their roster. However, there is little doubt that the most impactful injury has been that of Kevin Love. Love has been out since he fractured a bone in his left hand in late January, and his absence has impacted the Cavs in a number of ways.
Luckily, it seems his absence is coming to an end after Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com reported that Love is targeting a return to the court in one of the Cavs’ games next week:
“Kevin Love said he’s looking to return to the Cavaliers later next week.
“Love, who broke a bone in his left hand on Jan. 30, told cleveland.com he was hopeful to play against Phoenix at The Q on March 23. The Cavs play the East-leading Raptors on March 21 and are in Brooklyn March 25.
“Love was hesitant on a precise target date — as the Cavs play every other day, which limits practice opportunities — but he’s looking at next week”
Before the injury, Love was averaging 17.9 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. The Cavs have undoubtedly missed that production, going just 10-9 in the 19 games he has missed so far.
Upon his return, the All-Star big man will not only have to work to get back to game speed, he will also have to build chemistry with the four new teammates that were brought to Cleveland just hours before last month’s trade deadline. With just several weeks left before the NBA playoffs begin, Love will try to make the most of the short time he gets to play with George Hill, Rodney Hood, Larry Nance Jr., and Jordan Clarkson before the Cavs try to make yet another run to the NBA Finals.
