Report: Max Strus expected to make season debut on Friday vs. Wizards

The Cleveland Cavaliers have looked dominant through 25 games this season, and they’re about to get another boost in the form of sharpshooter Max Strus.

According to a report, Strus is expected to make his season debut on Friday against the Washington Wizards. The 28-year-old is expected to face restrictions upon returning but should still give the Cavs a nice lift once he’s back on the court.

“Sources told RG that the Cavaliers are set to welcome back Strus on Friday against the Washington Wizards,” wrote NBA reporter Grant Afseth. “However, Strus is expected to face restrictions upon his return as he works his way back into form.”

Things have been going so well for the Cavs this season that it’s been easy to forget that they haven’t even been at full strength. If Strus does return on Friday, he’ll get to step on the floor for a team that is 21-4 and owns the NBA’s top record.

Last season, Strus appeared in 70 games for Cleveland and started all of them. He had his moments but also left a little to be desired at times. In the end, the player known for his 3-point shooting averaged 12.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game while knocking down 41.8 percent of his shots from the field and 35.1 percent of his shots from beyond the arc.

He’d certainly love to be a little more efficient from deep this season. Back in the 2021-22 season with the Miami Heat, he knocked down 41.0 percent of his 3-pointers, a clip that the Cavs would be thrilled to see from him. With head coach Kenny Atkinson now in the fold, Strus’ playing style could be a really nice fit in the new system.

Strus’ injury reportedly came when he stepped on a coach’s foot during a shooting drill before the season started. Although he’s likely frustrated that he’s had to miss so many games to start the season, he’s likely thrilled to be nearing a return, and the Cavs have done an admirable job of holding down the fort without him.

The matchup against Washington will be Cleveland’s only game this entire week, so hopefully the Cavs are using the time to collect themselves for what’s ahead.