The Miami Heat’s playoff hopes received a rather large boost when the Cleveland Cavaliers announced All-Stars LeBron James and Kyrie Irving would not be playing in Monday night’s pivotal showdown at AmericanAirlines Arena.
The defending world champions ruled James (right calf strain) and Irving (left knee tendinitis) out when it updated its injury report Monday afternoon. Leading rebounder Tristan Thompson will miss his fourth consecutive game with a sprained right thumb. Four-time All-Star Kevin Love (illness) is listed as questionable.
The Cavaliers (51-29) blew a 26-point fourth quarter lead in overtime Sunday in Atlanta and enter Monday’s game tied with the Boston Celtics for the best record in the Eastern Conference.