Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving: To be rested Monday vs. Heat

Irving is dealing with left knee tendinitis and is listed as out for Monday's game against the Heat, Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com reports.

Analysis:

It's likely just a phantom injury for Irving, who is more or less getting a maintenance day for the second half of the back-to-back set after exploding for 45 points in 45 minutes in an overtime loss to the Hawks on Sunday. Along with Irving, LeBron James (calf) and Tristan Thompson (thumb) will be held out, while Kevin Love (illness) is listed as questionable, but isn't expected to play. Those absences now put the Cavaliers' chances at claiming the No. 1 seed in the East in serious jeopardy, but it's clear the team is valuing rest over playoff positioning. With Irving out, look for Deron Williams to take over the reins as the team's starting point guard, with Kay Felder, who was recalled from the D-League's Canton Charge earlier Monday, likely filling in as his primary backup off the bench.