Despite the expected return of guard Rodney Hood from injury, the Cleveland Cavaliers received some bad news on Thursday afternoon. That’s because they’ll be facing the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday without the services of starting center Larry Nance Jr., who’s sitting out the contest with a hamstring issue.
The Cavs say that Larry Nance Jr. (hamstring) is out against Portland, meaning Ante Zizic with start. Rodney Hood (lower back) is active and probable to play. https://t.co/wKkl4F1LMr
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 15, 2018
Nance, who had been inserted into the starting lineup after a recent injury to Tristan Thompson, left Tuesday night’s game in Phoenix after playing just 14 minutes. His absence didn’t come into play as the Cavaliers led from start to finish in defeating the Suns. However, Thursday’s road contest against Portland offers a much stiffer challenge, with Ante Zizic expected to see extensive action because of the Cavs’ depleted squad, which again will have four injured players sitting out.
Hood has missed the past two games after leaving last Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
