Both Kevin Love and J.R. Smith’s future are uncertain after series sweep
UPDATE: Love likely to miss entire playoffs according to Cavs GM David Griffin.
"I don't expect us to survive, I expect us to thrive." – David Griffin
Full interview to follow #ALLinCLE pic.twitter.com/4SjbNsFOea
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) April 28, 2015
David Griffin says its "highly unlikely" that Kevin Love returns at any point during the playoffs.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 28, 2015
Before LeBron James put the finishing touches on his first playoff series win as a Cleveland Cavalier for the first time in five years, the team didn’t celebrate after their big victory Sunday afternoon. During a routine skirmish with Kelly Olynyk for a loose ball, Kevin Love would have to abruptly leave the game in the first quarter with a server injury to his shoulder. Love was soon ruled out for the game, with trainers initially saying he had dislocated his left shoulder. Cleveland would still manage to sweep their opening-round opponents, the Boston Celtics, but also would see J.R. Smith being ejected of the game for decking Jae Crowder.
As part of the league’s flagrant-2 rules, Smith is expected to be suspended at least one game when they presumably open their conference semifinals series against the Chicago Bulls later this week. The Cavs superstar forward is expected to have an MRI on his shoulder Monday morning, which should determine the exact amount of time he may have to miss from the court. They do have some time to prepare, however, as the Milwaukee Bucks extended their series Saturday evening on a game-winning lay-up to send the series back to Chicago.
The Bulls are expected to close things out Monday night and will use their momentum from the resurgence of Derrick Rose to potentially steal an away game against the Eastern Conference’s best team at the moment.
Nothing will be known for sure until MRI but word within Cavs team tonight is Kevin Love likely out a minimum of 2 weeks.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) April 27, 2015
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