The Boston Celtics announced on Monday that Kyrie Irving will miss Tuesday night’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers with a left hip strain.
Irving has struggled with injuries of late and Tuesday will mark Irving’s sixth absence since January. After playing 35-plus minutes over his last two games, this could be the Celtics’ way of giving Irving rest to ensure he is fresh for the rest of the season. Injuries kept Irving out of the playoffs last year and Boston is desperately trying to avoid the same thing happening this year.
Furthermore, the Celtics have upcoming games against the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Philadelphia 76ers. Resting Irving against the lowly Cavs could be a calculated move to ensure Irving is in the lineup against better competition.
The All-Star is having an excellent 2018-19 season. Irving is averaging 23.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists to go along with an impressive 40.8 percent from 3-point range. In four career games against Cleveland, Irving is averaging 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game.
In addition to Irving, the Celtics will be without backup center Aron Baynes with a left foot contusion and rookie center Robert Williams is questionable with lower back soreness.
