Cavaliers Kevin Love has thumb fracture, could miss games

Updated Nov. 19, 2022 4:22 p.m. ET

Associated Press

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love could miss some games after sustaining a hairline fracture to his right thumb in Friday's double-overtime win against the Charlotte Hornets.

The five-time All-Star got hurt in the third quarter. Love scored six points and had seven rebounds in 24 minutes for Cleveland, which blew a late lead before winning 132-122 in double overtime.

The Cavs said X-rays taken Saturday confirmed the fracture. Love is listed as doubtful for Sunday's home game against Miami, and it's likely the 34-year-old could miss several games to give the thumb time to heal.

Love's injury is the latest for the Cavs, who have had their share early this season. All-Star guard Darius Garland missed six games with a left eye injury and forward Dean Wade is currently sidelined with a knee infection.

Center Jarrett Allen returned Friday after missing two games with an illness and All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell has been slowed by a sprained ankle.

Love has been coming off the bench the past two seasons for the Cavs, who snapped a five-game losing streak with their win over Hornets. He's averaging 11.3 points and 7.4 rebounds in just 21 minutes.

Love's is in his ninth season with Cleveland after spending his first six NBA seasons in Minnesota.

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