Cavs' Irving a game-time decision for potential series-clincher Tuesday
After winning Games 2 and 3 of the Eastern Conference finals without their All-Star point guard, the Cleveland Cavaliers will once again approach Tuesday's Game 4 without knowing for certain the status of Kyrie Irving.
Irving, who has been sidelined with tendinitis in his left knee, took part in Tuesday's shootaround and was more involved with the rest of the team than in previous days, according to TNT's Rachel Nichols, but remains a game-time decision for a potentially series-clinching Game 4.
Irving has been slowed by knee and foot injuries throughout the postseason, and aggravated his left knee during Cleveland's Game 1 victory in Atlanta. After sitting out Game 2, the All-NBA guard took part in a pregame workout prior to Game 3 and told general manager David Griffin that he felt much improved, but the team's doctors didn't believe his knee was strong enough for game action yet, with the risk of a setback still present.
Irving has seen his numbers dwindle in the postseason, as limited explosiveness has slowed him, particularly on the defensive end. Though, he's still averaging 18.9 points, 3.5 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals on a true shooting percentage of 57.6.
If the Cavs can wrap up the East Finals with a sweep at home on Tuesday, they'll get Irving (and an aching LeBron James) eight days off before NBA Finals begin on June 4.
Matthew Dellavedova would likely draw the start again should Irving be forced to miss a third consecutive contest.