The Cleveland Cavaliers are having an exciting season so far. After starting the 2017-18 campaign with a 4-6 record in their first ten games, the Cavs are now on a ten-game winning streak and hold a 15-7 record in the Eastern Conference. They are just three games behind the Boston Celtics in the win column, despite all of the injuries they've held to deal so far. Isaiah Thomas is yet to play a single game for the Cavaliers this season, while Derrick Rose has played only seven games so far. Iman Shumpert is out for at least two months due to a knee injury, and Tristan Thompson is also sidelined.
But, earlier today, some good news came for the Cavaliers.
Thompson expected to return next week
Joe Vardon of the Cleveland.com, reported earlier today that the Cleveland Cavaliers are expecting to have Tristan Thompson back in the lineup next week. This is great news for the Cavs, and the fans in Cleveland since Tristan has played only eight games so far this season due to injury. Thompson injured his calf on November the 1st and was originally expected to miss a month, and the latest update on his condition shows that this prediction was on point.
Cavaliers eye next week for Tristan Thompson's return @clevelanddotcom https://t.co/a8VpaU8G36
— Joe Vardon (@joevardon) 30. studenoga 2017.
It has been a tough 2017-18 campaign for Thompson, as he is averaging a career-low 4.4 points per game while also playing a career-low 21.6 minutes per game.
But despite his poor stats, he is still one of the most important Cavs players. His role changed this season with the addition of Jae Crowder, as Thompson moved to the bench while Crowder was inserted in the starting lineup. It is still unknown whether or not Thompson will continue to come off the bench when he returns, but the Cavaliers will be more than happy to have him back.
His rebounding and defensive presence have been vital for the Cavs over the past few years, and it's the same this season. He is one of the few big men the Cavaliers have on the roster, and they will look for him to thrive in his role again this season.
More lineup changes for the Cavaliers?
It is inevitable that, when Thompson returns, the Cavaliers will have to adjust and make some more lineup changes.
Kevin Love is playing at the center currently, but it seems he was at his best when he played at the power forward position while Thompson was at the center. If Tristan is inserted back in the starting lineup at the center position, Jae Crowder will move to the bench. This would also mean fewer minutes for Channing Frye who has averaged 4.5 points per game this season for the Cavaliers. Tyronn Lue, the head coach of the Cavs, will have to make some tough decisions next week. Nevertheless, the Cavaliers fans will be excited to finally see Tristan Thompson healthy and back on the court in a few days.
