Max

Strus

Hunter provided limited value outside of the points and three-pointers, but that has been the norm for him throughout his NBA career. Due to the limited production in assists, steals and blocked shots, he’s still ranked outside the top-100 in nine-cat formats. The good news for those who have Hunter rostered is that he appears to be a safe bet to start until Max Strus returns from offseason ankle surgery. Hunter’s rostered in 34 percent of Yahoo! leagues, a fair percentage given the lackluster production in multiple categories.

While Hunter finished with a solid point total, the field goal percentage was lacking due to a 3-of-12 night from beyond the arc. He and many other Cavaliers may have been too willing to settle for triples, as they shot 17-of-52 on the night. Boston is also a high-volume three-point shooting team, but they made 21 three-pointers and outscored Cleveland at the foul line (20-18). Hunter has ample opportunities to produce since he’s in the starting lineup, and that’s unlikely to change until Max Strus (ankle) returns to action.

According to the Cavaliers, Strus suffered a Jones fracture in his left foot during a recent workout. He’ll miss three to four months, meaning the starting guard/forward may not be available until after Thanksgiving. With Darius Garland (toe) likely out until the end of October at the earliest, Cleveland will likely begin the 2025-26 season without two starters. Strus’ absence means more opportunities will be available to De’Andre Hunter, Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson when training camp opens in late September. Hunter would be the safest choice for fantasy managers, while Merrill offers value as a three-point shooter. Tyson, who played sparingly as a rookie, would be the “wild card” for the Cavaliers.

Game 5 was brutal for Strus, who missed all six of his three-point attempts and could not make a shot from the field overall. While he did grab seven rebounds, three more than fellow starter Jarrett Allen, the Cavaliers needed more offensive production from Strus. Due to offseason ankle surgery, Strus did not make his first appearance until just before Christmas, which put him in a difficult spot regarding fantasy value. While many managers did not expect much from Strus beyond offering late-round value, he finished outside the top-175 in eight- and nine-cat formats. Look for him again to be a late-round pick in most fantasy leagues.

While Donovan Mitchell’s masterclass and the returns of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter were the biggest storylines of Game 3, Strus’ performance should not be overlooked. After tallying 23 points in Game 2, the sharpshooter shot 4-of-8 from three and recorded his second straight 20-point stat line. Also, Strus was the primary defender on Tyrese Haliburton for most of the night, with the Pacers’ point guard only scoring four points. Cleveland will hope for a similar performance from Strus as they look to even the series at two games apiece on Sunday.

Strus stepped up in Game 2. With Darius Garland (toe), Evan Mobley (ankle) and De’Andre Hunter (thumb) out and the Cavaliers in need of scoring, Strus had 23 points on 18 shots including five made three-pointers. Strus hit his last three with just over a minute left in the fourth quarter, which gave the Cavs a seven-point lead. Unfortunately, Cleveland would squander that lead and fall behind 2-0 in the series. Strus will continue to be counted on for increased scoring unless the Cavaliers can get healthy for Game 3.

With Darius Garland (toe) out and Donovan Mitchell (13/3/1 with three three-pointers) shooting 4-of-14 from the field, Strus was one of the Cavaliers who stepped up in Game 3. Having attempted 13 shots in the first two games, he matched that number on Saturday and recorded a series-high point total. The ease with which Cleveland won on Saturday may factor into what happens with Garland for Game 4 on Monday. If he remains out, look for Strus to be one of the Cavaliers who takes on an expanded role.

Four of Cleveland’s five starters will sit out Sunday’s regular season finale, with Jarrett Allen being the exception. With the Cavaliers locked into the one-seed in the East, he’s unlikely to see much action after halftime against the Pacers.

Strus was one of three Cavaliers starters who returned to the lineup after sitting out Thursday’s loss to the Pacers. He shot 5-of-12 from three on the night, including three makes during the fourth quarter. Strus’s fantasy value is limited to that of a specialist since he shares the court with four standouts ahead of him in the offensive pecking order. However, he can be helpful to fantasy managers needing three-pointers, rebounds and the occasional defensive stats. Strus and the Cavaliers host the Pacers in their regular-season finale on Sunday, and the outcome will not impact either team’s playoff seeding.

Garland is available after initially being probable for Friday’s game. He, Strus and Mobley are available after sitting out Thursday’s loss to the Pacers. However, this does not guarantee they’ll play starters’ minutes since the Cavaliers have wrapped up the top seed in the East. Sam Merrill and Craig Porter Jr. are two players who will figure prominently in the bench rotation to begin Friday’s game.