Max Strus sprained his right ankle during individual workouts on Thursday, according to the Cavaliers, who announced in a press release that the veteran swingman underwent an X-ray and an MRI to confirm the severity of the sprain.
The plan is for Strus to be reevaluated after going through six weeks of treatment and rehabilitation, per the team. That timeline suggests he’ll remain sidelined for all of November in addition to the rest of this month. The Cavaliers will play 20 games during that time.
Strus had missed some time this preseason due to a right hip contusion, but appeared to be on the verge of making it back for the team’s regular season opener, so this is a disappointing setback for him and for the Cavs, who had the 28-year-old in their starting lineup for 70 regular season games and 12 more playoff contests last season.
Strus was a solid contributor in his first year in Cleveland after signing a four-year, $62MM contract in free agency. He averaged 12.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game with a .351 3PT%.
With Strus on the shelf, the Cavs will likely lean more on sixth man Caris LeVert, who could move into the starting lineup. Sam Merrill, Dean Wade, Georges Niang, and Ty Jerome are among the other candidates for increased roles.