The Cleveland Cavaliers are gearing up for their regular-season opener against the New York Knicks on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET, but they received a discouraging update on forward De’Andre Hunter's status.
Hunter will miss Cleveland's opener due to a right knee contusion he sustained in last Tuesday's preseason finale against the Detroit Pistons, according to Chris Fedor of The Plain Dealer. He exited the game in the second quarter and didn't return, though it was initially reported that he was held out of the second half as a precautionary measure.
Hunter took part in a 3-on-3 workout Tuesday, but he has yet to return to full 5-on-5 action. For now, he'll join Darius Garland and Max Strus on the shelf.
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Who could start with De’Andre Hunter out
The Cavaliers were originally projected to start Donovan Mitchell, Sam Merrill, Hunter, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen with Garland and Strus sidelined. However, they'll now have to fill the void left by Hunter at small forward.
Dean Wade started 30 of his 59 regular-season appearances last season and appears to be the team's most likely replacement in the starting lineup. However, 2024 No. 20 overall pick Jaylon Tyson is also a candidate to get the starting nod against New York.
Regardless, the team will hope to bring Hunter and his offensive spark back for Friday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Cleveland acquired the 27-year-old forward from the Atlanta Hawks ahead of last season's trade deadline, and he immediately became an impactful piece, averaging 14.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists across 25.1 minutes per game in 27 regular-season appearances with Cleveland.
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