Max

Strus

Strus stepped up in Game 2. With Darius Garland (toe), Evan Mobley (ankle) and De’Andre Hunter (thumb) out and the Cavaliers in need of scoring, Strus had 23 points on 18 shots including five made three-pointers. Strus hit his last three with just over a minute left in the fourth quarter, which gave the Cavs a seven-point lead. Unfortunately, Cleveland would squander that lead and fall behind 2-0 in the series. Strus will continue to be counted on for increased scoring unless the Cavaliers can get healthy for Game 3.

With Darius Garland (toe) out and Donovan Mitchell (13/3/1 with three three-pointers) shooting 4-of-14 from the field, Strus was one of the Cavaliers who stepped up in Game 3. Having attempted 13 shots in the first two games, he matched that number on Saturday and recorded a series-high point total. The ease with which Cleveland won on Saturday may factor into what happens with Garland for Game 4 on Monday. If he remains out, look for Strus to be one of the Cavaliers who takes on an expanded role.

Four of Cleveland’s five starters will sit out Sunday’s regular season finale, with Jarrett Allen being the exception. With the Cavaliers locked into the one-seed in the East, he’s unlikely to see much action after halftime against the Pacers.

Strus was one of three Cavaliers starters who returned to the lineup after sitting out Thursday’s loss to the Pacers. He shot 5-of-12 from three on the night, including three makes during the fourth quarter. Strus’s fantasy value is limited to that of a specialist since he shares the court with four standouts ahead of him in the offensive pecking order. However, he can be helpful to fantasy managers needing three-pointers, rebounds and the occasional defensive stats. Strus and the Cavaliers host the Pacers in their regular-season finale on Sunday, and the outcome will not impact either team’s playoff seeding.

Garland is available after initially being probable for Friday’s game. He, Strus and Mobley are available after sitting out Thursday’s loss to the Pacers. However, this does not guarantee they’ll play starters’ minutes since the Cavaliers have wrapped up the top seed in the East. Sam Merrill and Craig Porter Jr. are two players who will figure prominently in the bench rotation to begin Friday’s game.

Strus missed Thursday’s game with a knee injury but will return to the mix. He should slot back into the rotation as a starter. Especially given all the injuries Cleveland is dealing with.

Strus joins Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley as starters who will not be available for Thursday’s game. Cleveland has already wrapped up the top seed in the East, hence the absences. Isaac Okoro should see additional playing time on Thursday, likely as a starter, while rotation minutes should be available to rookie Jaylon Tyson.

Strus is off the injury report after sitting out Friday’s loss to the Pistons. His return means Isaac Okoro will be bumped to the bench, where he offers limited value due to the inconsistent offensive production. Okoro does not need to be rostered in most fantasy leagues.

While Cleveland’s “core four” is available and will start Friday’s game, Max Strus is not. Isaac Okoro, who is most valuable as a defender, will replace him in the lineup. Okoro offers limited production on the offensive end of the floor, especially with Garland and Mitchell available. Mobley’s return pushes Dean Wade to the bench.

Strus will sit out the second night of Cleveland’s back-to-back, which will give him a chance to rest with the playoffs approaching. De’Andre Hunter or Sam Merrill will likely replace him in the starting lineup, though both should see a boost in minutes.