Isaac Okoro could be nearing a return from the shoulder injury.
Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson expressed optimism that Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade could return “early post-All-Star” break last week. That could be coming true as Okoro is listed as questionable on the injury report for Thursday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets. If he’s able to go, this would mark the first game he’s played since the Jan. 16 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Okoro initially injured his shoulder on Dec. 16 against Brooklyn. It was announced shortly thereafter that he would be re-evaluated in two weeks. Okoro eventually returned to the lineup just over three weeks after the initial injury.
Things didn’t go well for Okoro when he did return. He played five games and combined for just 10 points in 69 minutes on 3-24 shooting. The shot that was good to start the season wasn’t there. It could’ve been a result of returning to the lineup too soon.
Dean Wade will miss Thursday’s game with a knee injury, but there’s growing optimism that he will return to the lineup shortly. According to Chris Fedor of cleveland.com, that could happen Friday when they host the New York Knicks at home.
Ty Jerome is also on the injury report with a calf strain. That kept him out of last week’s game against the Toronto Raptors. He’s questionable for Thursday’s contest.
The Nets will be missing their fair share of players including Cam Thomas (hamstring), Bojan Bogdanovic (being waived), Noah Clowney (ankle), and De’Anthony Melton (ACL).
Tip-off is at 7:30 on Thursday.