There have been numerous problems for the Cleveland Cavaliers this season and they are struggling to play well because of their situation. After an interesting and a very intense offseason, the Cavaliers managed to retool their roster and slightly improve. Some of the players they signed are prone to injuries and it was clear that many things will depend on their health. However, no one could have imagined that the Cavaliers would have so many problems early in the season.
After eight games of the season, the Cavaliers are 3-5 and they are in the 13th place in the Eastern Conference.
The only two teams with a worse record in the East are the Chicago Bulls and the Atlanta Hawks, who have won one game each. While it's still too early to make a serious prediction, it's safe to say that the Cavaliers won't be able to win it all if they keep struggling with injuries, and Tristan Thompson's injury could make the team even worse.
Tristan Thompson's injury is serious
Tristan Thompson spent 15 minutes on the floor before suffering an injury last night. Thompson scored 2 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in what turned out to be another blowout loss for the Cleveland Cavaliers. According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, the center was ruled out with a left calf strain.
After the game, Tristan Thompson was seen using crutches while leaving the arena, which was obviously not a good sign.
The Cavaliers did an MRI to find out how bad the injury is, and the results were not good as the center will be sidelined for one month.
Sources: Cleveland Cavaliers' Tristan Thompson is expected to miss one month with left calf injury he suffered Wednesday night.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 2, 2017
Thompson is known for being one of the most durable players in the NBA.
He had set the franchise record for appearing in 447 consecutive games before missing a couple of games last season. Using Kevin Love as a starting center hasn't been effective for the Cavaliers, so they will have to figure out another way to fight against their opponents in the paint.
Cavaliers without Thompson
Being two games under .500, the Cleveland Cavaliers will have to win a few games to bounce back and regain their confidence.
Without Thompson, the team will struggle even more, especially since they don't have another great center.
Their next game is in Washington against the Wizards, and it won't be surprising if the Cavaliers lose their fifth straight game. After the Wizards, the Cavs will host one of the worst teams in the league, that Atlanta Hawks, before facing off the Milwaukee Bucks. Their schedule will be much harder after the Bucks as they will go on a four-game road trip.
