CLEVELAND — It was an abbreviated start to the preseason for Cavs small forward Max Strus.
A critical member of Cleveland’s projected opening night starting lineup, Strus suffered a right hip contusion in the first half against the Chicago Bulls and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
The injury occurred early in Tuesday’s second quarter, as Strus attempted to take a charge in transition, landing hard on his side. After being whistled for a foul on the play and staying down on the floor for a little bit, he was helped up and walked gingerly toward the bench while holding his hip. A brief conversation with a member of the team’s training staff led to Strus walking back to the locker room for further examination. He stayed back there the rest of the night, replaced in the rotation by sharpshooter Sam Merrill.
Strus played nine minutes, recording two rebounds and one assist. He did not take a shot or score a basket.
The Cavs will return to the home hardwood on Thursday night, welcoming the Indiana Pacers for the second exhibition matchup.
There is no early indication on his status for that game.
