HOUSTON – The Cavs are getting closer to full strength.
Forward Dean Wade, who missed the last three games for personal reasons, rejoined the team and participated in Friday afternoon’s practice on the campus of Rice University, about three miles from the team hotel in downtown Houston. Wade is scheduled to play Saturday against the Houston Rockets, the second stop on this current three-game road trip.
After practice, Wade stayed on the court to further condition, participating in a spirited 4-on-4 session alongside Craig Porter Jr., Emoni Bates and Tristan Thompson, among others.
Like Wade, Thompson is expected to return to the lineup Saturday. The 33-year-old reserve player has been suspended for the last 25 games for violating the league’s drug policy. Thompson spoke briefly about the situation after Friday afternoon’s practice, taking responsibility for his mistake and praising the Cavs’ play without him.
Although Wade and Thompson will provide a much-needed depth boost, Evan Mobley and Max Strus both remain sidelined. Mobley, who continues to recover from a sprained ankle suffered on March 5, recently had his ankle re-evaluated and was given the green light to increase his on-field activity.
“He does more,” Cavs coach JB Bickerstaff said of Mobley. “He is now doing light work on the ground. He’s working his way back.
A source said Mobley, who did not practice Friday but was able to take shooting practice afterward, likely won’t dress for this road trip. There is no specific timetable for his return. The same goes for Strus, who is still hampered by a strained left knee that will cause him to miss his seventh straight game Saturday in Houston.
BetMGM Ohio BET $5, GET $158 BONUS BETTING
21+ and present in Ohio. A gaming problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
During Wade’s recent three-game absence, the Cavs moved bench stalwart Georges Niang into the starting lineup. Bickerstaff will need to determine whether to continue using this formation, especially given Niang’s recent improvement in performance, or return to the old look, with Wade at Mobley’s usual starting spot.
In 54 games this season, including 32 starts, Wade is averaging 5.4 points on 41.4% shooting and 39.1% from 3-point range to go with 4.0 rebounds.
If you or a loved one has questions and needs to speak with a gambling professional, call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or the National Council Helpline on Program Gambling (NCPG) at 1-800-522-. 4700 or visit 1800gambler.net for more information. 21+ and present in Ohio. A gaming problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
