CLEVELAND (AP) The Cavaliers are losing games and players at an alarming rate.
Starting point guard George Hill could miss two weeks with a sprained right shoulder, the latest setback for the Cavs, who have won just one game and are expected to be without All-Star forward Kevin Love for at least another five weeks following foot surgery.
Cleveland is also missing forward Sam Dekker, who sprained his ankle and is out for a month.
Hill was a late scratch before Wednesday night’s loss to Oklahoma City. The 32-year-old, who hurt his shoulder on the final possession of Monday’s loss in Orlando, went through his usual pregame workout, but was experiencing pain in his shoulder and couldn’t play against the Thunder. Further medical tests performed Thursday revealed the sprain.
Hill’s setback is yet another obstacle for the Cavs, who are an NBA-worst 1-10 and recently fired coach Tyronn Lue. Cleveland’s had other issues in its first season since LeBron James bolted as a free agent after leading the Cavs to four straight Finals.
Cavs forward Cedi Osman left Wednesday’s game with lower back spasms, and the team is hoping rest will help and that he’ll play Saturday in Chicago.
One possible positive with Hill’s injury is that rookie Collin Sexton will get more playing time. The No. 8 overall pick made his first career start against the Thunder and finished with a season-high 15 points, two rebounds and an assist in 42 minutes.
Cleveland coach Larry Drew has urged his veterans to be patient with Sexton while he develops.
”As I told a couple of the guys,” Drew said. ”`Hey, you were 19 at one point. To step up to this level, I’m sure you would’ve been in a situation where you were making mistakes too.’ In order for Collin to learn, he’s going to have to make mistakes. And some of his mistakes we’re going to have to live with.”
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