Cavs' Irving sustains bruised knee
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving is listed as questionable for Thursday night's home game against the Orlando Magic after suffering a bruised left knee during Tuesday night's 91-76 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis.
Irving felt a pop when he went down on a drive to the basket in the third quarter. He had to be helped to the locker room but later returned to the game.
An MRI and exam on Wednesday at Cleveland Clinic Sports Health by team physician Dr. Richard Parker determined the injury was nothing more serious than a contusion.
"I thought the worst had happened," Irving said, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. "My left knee is pretty weak right now. I was falling all over the place. I didn't have my legs under me. ... I'm still hoping that there's nothing wrong, just something slight, if anything at all. Just hoping for the best."
The All-Star is averaging a career-high 22.6 points and 6.1 assists per game this season.
Irving's status also is impacting the possible trade of center Andrew Bynum to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Pau Gasol, according to an ESPN report.
It is believed the Cavaliers would be less likely to make a deal if Irving's injury caused to miss significant playing time, which would significantly hurt Cleveland's playoff chances. The Cavs have lost six straight games.
ESPN reported that the Lakers are seeking other assets from Cavaliers before making a deal.
The Cavs also have discussed a possible Bynum trade with the Chicago Bulls for forward Luol Deng, which would be a cost-savings move for the Bulls.
Cleveland suspended Bynum, in his first year with the Cavs after sitting out last season with the Philadelphia 76ers because of a knee injury, for conduct detrimental to the team. He is averaging 8.4 points and 5.3 rebounds in 24 games.
Gasol is averaging 14.7 points and 9.4 rebounds this season for the Lakers. He is making $19 million in 2013-14 in the final year of his contract.
