For the Cavaliers, Sunday’s matchup offers both an opportunity and a puzzle. Cleveland continues to push toward the postseason while managing injuries and reintegrating a key rotational piece, all while searching for the lineup balance it hopes will carry into April.
CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cavs could welcome back a familiar voice and connector Sunday afternoon.
After missing the first 67 games of the season while recovering from a Jones fracture in his left foot, Max Strus has been upgraded to probable for Cleveland’s matchup with the Dallas Mavericks at 3:30 p.m. Eastern at Rocket Arena.
His return arrives at a time when the Cavaliers may once again be shorthanded.
Jarrett Allen remains out with right knee tendinitis. Sam Merrill will miss the game with left hamstring tightness, while Craig Porter Jr. (left groin strain) and Tyrese Proctor (right quadricep strain) also remain sidelined. Rising star wing Jaylon Tyson is listed as questionable with left ankle soreness.
The absences could force head coach Kenny Atkinson to lean on Strus earlier than originally anticipated, even if the veteran wing is expected to be on a minutes restriction while ramping back into game shape.
Cleveland will still have several key rotation pieces available. James Harden, Dennis Schröder, Keon Ellis and Dean Wade are all active.
Still, the lineup juggling act may continue.
Atkinson has previously said he hopes to settle the Cavaliers’ playoff rotation with two to three weeks remaining in the regular season. Injuries and Strus’ long-awaited return add another variable as Cleveland works toward that goal.
One area worth watching Sunday involves how Strus fits alongside Cleveland’s primary playmakers. His ability to space the floor, move without the ball and act as a connective passer has long been valued in Atkinson’s offense.
That skill set could show up quickly in two-man actions, particularly alongside Harden or Evan Mobley. Both players operate comfortably in pick-and-roll scenarios, and Strus’ movement shooting could provide another outlet when defenses collapse.
Whether those combinations appear immediately or gradually as Strus works his way back into rhythm remains to be seen.
For the Cavaliers, Sunday’s matchup offers both an opportunity and a puzzle. Cleveland continues to push toward the postseason while managing injuries and reintegrating a key rotational piece, all while searching for the lineup balance it hopes will carry into April.
How to watch the Cavs: See how to watch the Cavs games with this handy game-by-game TV schedule.
Here’s what to know about the matchup:
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Dallas Mavericks
Series: Final matchup in the regular season.
Where: Rocket Arena.
When: 3:30 p.m. ET.
The point spread: Cavs minus-16.5; O/U 236.5
TV: FDSNOH/RESN/WUAB 43 & NBA TV
Injury report
Cavs
Probable:
- Max Strus (left foot; Jones fracture surgery)
Questionable:
- Jaylon Tyson (left ankle; soreness)
Out:
- Jarrett Allen (right knee; tendonitis)
- Sam Merrill (left hamstring; tightness)
- Craig Porter Jr. (left groin; strain)
- Tyrese Proctor (right quadricep; strain)
- Olivier Sarr (G League – Two-Way)
Mavericks
Probable:
- Caleb Martin (left finger; sprain)
Questionable:
- John Poulakidas (G League – Two-Way)
- Tyler Smith (G League – Two-Way)
- P.J. Washington (left ankle; soreness)
Doubtful:
- Moussa Cisse (G League – Two-Way)
- Daniel Gafford (illness)
- Klay Thompson (rest)
Out:
- Kyrie Irving (left knee; surgery)
- Dereck Lively II (right foot; surgery)
