CLEVELAND, Ohio — Sunday was supposed to be a thrilling Eastern Conference clash between two of the perceived favorites.
Forget that.
The Cavs won’t be at full strength. Neither will the Pistons.
For Cleveland, center Jarrett Allen (illness) and Dean Wade (knee soreness) are out while Detroit won’t have All-Star hopeful Jalen Duren (ankle), Tobias Harris (hip) or former Cavalier Caris LeVert (knee).
Cavs sharpshooting reserve Sam Merrill will be available after missing the previous game because of minor ankle soreness — a result of stepping on someone’s foot Wednesday afternoon.
Allen started feeling ill Saturday, which kept him from participating in practice. While there was optimism about Wade’s availability, the Cavs felt it best to be extra cautious, holding him out at least one more game.
As a result of Allen and Wade being unavailable, Cleveland is set to use its 19th different starting lineup, putting Merrill and Jaylon Tyson in that quintet.