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UPDATE: Kevin Love has been ruled out for Monday’s game vs. the Brooklyn Nets. He was questionable and then considered a game-time call, but we were able to get the news way before lock at 7:00 p.m. ET, which is great. No Love means Tristan Thompson and Larry Nance Jr. get a nice little bump in usage, plus more rebounding opportunities. I wouldn’t consider either a great play on a heavy slate, but they’ll likely be under-owned in GPPs.
UPDATE: Kevin Love is now considered a game-time decision, which doesn’t impact what we knew already. He was questionable for the Cleveland Cavaliers heading into their matchup vs. the Brooklyn Nets tonight. It’ll be important to monitor Love’s status closely until tip-off at 7:00 p.m. ET.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been careful with forward Kevin Love this season. He’s missed the past two games due to a back injury, but could return for the team’s matchup against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday. Without Love over the weekend, the Cavs were able to pick up a win over the Trail Blazers. Let’s take a look at the Cavs chances tonight vs. the Nets and how to approach this injury for fantasy.
Fantasy Basketball Analysis: Cleveland Cavaliers PF/C Kevin Love
So with Love ($7,800) out of the lineup, Larry Nance Jr. was the biggest benefactor. He was inserted into the starting lineup Saturday vs. the Blazers and played 32 minutes, finishing with 11 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. At $5,700, if Love remains out, Nance would be in line for another decent value spot against the Nets. Tristan Thompson ($6,800) would be the other pivot if Love is out, but Thompson’s price is not very appealing. He’d maybe be an OK tournament play given his ownership and usage, but if Love returns, I think Tristan is a fade.
As for DraftKings Sportsbook, the Cavs are currently 1.0 point favorites over the Nets for tonight. We can maybe capitalize on this assuming Love will in fact return to the lineup. Even if Love remains out, Cleveland is better at home at 3-4 on the season, though it’s tough to bank on them as a favorite against a better team.
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