Sources: Cavaliers’ Max Strus Injury Return is Imminent, Set to Return Friday vs. Wizards

DeMar DeRozan #11 of the Chicago Bulls shot is defended by Max Strus #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Max Strus faces an imminent return to the Cleveland Cavaliers lineup after recovering from an ankle sprain he sustained at the start of the preseason. He was recalled from the team’s G League affiliate on Saturday following a brief assignment to ramp up his recovery.

Sources told RG that the Cavaliers are set to welcome back Strus on Friday against the Washington Wizards. However, Strus is expected to face restrictions upon his return as he works his way back into form.

Strus, 27, averaged 12.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists over 70 games last season. His ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting and provide playmaking will be a significant addition to the Cavaliers' offense, taking pressure off Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland throughout games.

For a Cavaliers team that’s taken pride in maximizing its three-point shooting volume, Strus will only enhance their approach. He averaged 6.8 attempts in 32.0 minutes per game last season, while converting at a 35.1 percent clip. His talent as a shot creator, along with his willingness to let it fly, make him an important floor spacer, and an option the team can deploy in various half-court actions.

Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson highlighted the challenge of reintroducing Strus into an already loaded rotation while managing the minutes of players who stepped up in his absence.

Despite the potential lineup adjustments, Atkinson views Strus’s return as a welcome dilemma. Cleveland has produced a 21-4 record through 25 games, ranking first in the Eastern Conference. Gaining Strus into the lineup will only help to maintain this early success.

“It’s a good problem to have,” Atkinson said. “Sometimes, at this juncture of the season, it’s good to have an injection of energy.”

Strus has been diligently working his way back in recovery since suffering the injury on Oct. 8 in the Cavaliers' preseason opener. He attempted to draw a charge against Matas Buzelis in a matchup against the Chicago Bulls but got injured due to the play.

The Cavaliers will need every advantage possible to contend for a championship. The Boston Celtics and other threats will make reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, let alone the NBA Finals, challenging. Having Strus back will only help in that regard.