Cleveland Cavaliers are the hottest team in the NBA as they won their 10th consecutive game last night. The reigning Eastern Conference champions took down the Atlanta Hawks, beating them 121 to 114. LeBron James had another fantastic performance with 24 points, 6 rebounds, 12 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, while Kevin Love recorded a double-double with 25 points and 16 rebounds.
It's really amazing how the Cavaliers keep winning while dealing with so many injuries. Their 10-game winning streak is the longest in the NBA and they might even surpass the Boston Celtics' 16-game win streak.
However, this will be much more difficult without Iman Shumpert. Shumpert will have a surgery and will be sidelined for at least one month.
Iman Shumpert to have a surgery
Cleveland just can't catch a break when it comes to injuries. Whether it's Iman Shumpert, Tristan Thompson, isaiah thomas, or someone else, the team has dealt with a lot of injury problems this season. It seems they are not stopping as Shumpert will be out for at least one month.
Shumpert has been dealing with knee issues for a few months now. He was forced to miss a few games earlier in the season because of this, and the situation hasn't improved. The Cavaliers guard had problems with both knees, but it looked that he would be able to recover and keep playing.
However, Shumpert won't be able to keep playing without a surgery.
Prayers up for our brother @imanshumpert Good luck on that surgery my brother. Only the Strong survive!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) December 1, 2017
Cleveland Cavaliers announced that Iman Shumpert will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. The surgery will be done on Friday and the guard is expected to miss six to eight weeks.
The team made this announcement before the game against the Hawks last night.
Who will replace Shumpert?
The Cavaliers used Shumpert as a replacement for Derrick Rose and Isaiah Thomas. However, they will now be forced to make another change and Jose Calderon will most likely remain a starter. Calderon started in seven games this season and he averaged 4.0 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game as a starter.
Isaiah Thomas is recovering very quickly and will most likely come back in two weeks. It is questionable whether or not he will be put in a starting lineup after he comes back, but his return will be relieving for the Cavaliers as they will be able to count on more players. Considering that Thomas hasn't played in an NBA game for a few months, it will take him a while to adjust to his new team and get it going.
