The Cleveland Cavaliers fell to the Atlanta Hawks, 135-124, on Wednesday for their second loss of the season and their second loss in four games.
They will get another shot at Atlanta on Friday, this time in Georgia, in their third game of group play in the Emirates NBA Cup.
Five players — Emoni Bates, Max Strus, JT Thor, Luke Travers and Dean Wade — will not play for Cleveland on Friday, and Caris LeVert could also sit out, as he will be a game-time decision due to a knee injury, per Evan Dammarell.
Emoni Bates, Max Strus, JT Thor, Luke Travers and Dean Wade are OUT tomorrow for the #Cavs against the Hawks.
Caris LeVert is questionable and will likely be a game-time decision.
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) November 28, 2024
Bates and Strus haven’t played yet this season because of knee and ankle ailments, respectively, and in particular, the Cavs could use Strus’ 3-and-D capabilities.
LeVert, who has missed their last four games, is off to a remarkable start this season with an average of 11.8 points in 24.4 minutes a game while shooting 53.4 percent from the field and 45.8 percent from 3-point range.
Despite these injury woes, the Cavs are off to an incredible start this year, and an increasing number of people feel the team is becoming a legitimate championship contender.
It ranks first in points per game, field-goal percentage, 3-point accuracy and offensive rating, and it is playing at a much faster pace under new head coach Kenny Atkinson.
While the Hawks have an 8-11 record, they cannot be taken lightly, as mercurial star guard Trae Young can shoot them into wins on any given night.
Young is leading the NBA with 12.5 assists a game, and he dropped 22 dimes against the Cavs on Wednesday.
NEXT: Evan Mobley Had Big Performance In Cavs' Loss To Hawks
