Dean

Wade

The rumblings that Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson was considering a change to his starting lineup have been proven true. Strus, who was a starter for most of last season, moves into the starting five for Wednesday’s game, with Dean Wade heading to the bench. The other four starters are unchanged.

The Cavaliers will be without most of their rotation players for Sunday’s regular-season finale, as their playoff seeding is locked in. The absences in the frontcourt free up opportunities for Nae’Qwan Tomlin, who should have the ultimate green light on Sunday.

Wade will return from a seven-game absence and make his way into the Cavs’ starting unit. The veteran forward had struggled with his three-point shot in the four games prior to the ankle injury. However, he’ll return to his floor-spacing role, with a chance to find his rhythm before the playoffs begin. Cleveland is currently fourth in the Eastern Conference standings.

Both Tyson and Wade have missed significant time, but the pair have a chance to return in Wednesday’s tilt with the Hawks. With Thomas Bryant (calf) ruled out, Larry Nance Jr. could enjoy some additional run if Tyson or Wade end up sitting out again.

Wade is progressing in his recovery from a sprained right ankle, but there is still plenty of work to be done. According to Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson, the forward has not reached the point where he’s playing 3-on-3 or 4-on-4. The hope is that Wade is available in time for the playoffs. The Cavaliers have similar hopes for Jaylon Tyson (toe), but he is not as far along in his rehab process as Wade.

Wade and Tyson, who did not travel with the Cavaliers on their three-game road trip that concluded on Thursday, will remain out on Sunday. Due to the absences in the frontcourt, Larry Nance Jr. could move into the rotation on Sunday out of necessity.

Wade has missed Cleveland’s last two games with a sprained right ankle, while a left great toe bone bruise has sidelined Tyson for the last four. According to the Cavaliers, they’ll continue their respective rehabilitation processes in Cleveland while the team hits the road for a three-game trip that concludes on Thursday against the Warriors. Sam Merrill has served as the fifth starter in Wade’s absence, while Max Strus offers value despite coming off the bench.

Wade sprained his right ankle just before Wednesday’s loss to the Heat and did not play. Keon Ellis moved into the starting lineup, but that was with the Cavaliers also not having Max Strus. One of those two will likely be the fifth starter, with Strus offering a higher offensive ceiling.

Wade sprained his right ankle during his pregame individual workout, and the Cavaliers have decided to hold him out for precautionary reasons. With Max Strus and Jaylon Tyson also out, this could be a spot where Nae’Qwan Tomlin picks up additional minutes, even if he comes off the bench.

Nance is good to go after being listed as questionable on the initial injury report. He’s unlikely to get the minutes needed to affect fantasy basketball, even if Dean Wade (ankle) cannot play. Wade sprained his right ankle during pregame warmups and is considered questionable.