Anderson Varejao has been playing well for the Cavaliers this season, starting in all 14 of his appearances while averaging 10.9 points and 6.9 rebounds in 26.4 minutes per contest.
But he’s battled health issues in the recent past, and another injury will keep him out of action for a minimum of Saturday night’s game against the Pacers.
From Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles:Varejao suffered the injury Monday against the Orlando Magic and played through it Wednesday against the Washington Wizards before soreness kept him out of Friday’s practice. The 11-year veteran participated in shootaround Saturday morning before deciding to sit out Saturday night after consulting with the Cavs’ medical and coaching staff.
“It was a team decision together with Andy,” said Cavs coach David Blatt before the game. “He experienced some discomfort this morning. Nothing too, too serious, but we, as a precautionary measure, just decided to hold him out.”
Tristan Thompson is likely to get the start in Varejao’s place.
Indiana, meanwhile, just got David West back, but will be without Roy Hibbert in this one, as the big man is expected to miss his fourth straight game due to a sprained left ankle.
The Cavaliers have underachieved, and are off to a 7-7 start to the season, while the Pacers have been much better than expected at 7-9.