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If someone had to pick a team in the NBA needing help right now, Cleveland Cavaliers (21-4) do not usually come to mind.

The first place Cavs are set to get a boost to their rotation with the addition of guard Max Strus (Stagg) on Friday against the Washington Wizards.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus is expected to make his season debut on Friday against the Washington Wizards, sources tell ESPN. Strus suffered an ankle sprain in mid-October. He started in all 70 games played and ranked second on the Cavs in plus-minus last season. pic.twitter.com/MgMnxb8MLi

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 11, 2024

Strus played in and started 70 games for Cleveland last season while averaging 12.2 points on 41.8 percent shooting with 4.8 rebounds, 4 assists, and nearly one steal per game. He also shot 35.1 percent on 6.8 threes per game.

Last season, Strus finished with career-bests averages in starts, minutes played, field goals, field goal attempts, offensive rebounds, total rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and points.

NBA Games

• Atlanta Hawks defeated New York Knicks, 108-100, and will advance in the NBA Cup Tournament.
  • Jalen Brunson (Stevenson) finished with his second fewest points of this season in this loss.
    • Brunson had 14 points (5-15 FG, 2-6 3PT, 2-3 FT) with four rebounds (one offensive), eight assists, a steal, a block, two turnovers, and a zero-plus minus.
    • His eight assists were a team-high.

cap from downtown 🎯 pic.twitter.com/s6Qkq9JYL0

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 12, 2024

• Houston Rocket defeated Golden State Warriors,
  • Fred VanVleet (Auburn) had his fifth game of the season with under 10 points. He had 10 such game all of the 2023-24 season.
    • VanVleet had eight points (3-13 FG, 2-9 3PT) with two rebounds, seven assists, four turnovers, and a -5 plus-minus in 36 minutes.
    • His nine three point attempts were a game-high tied with two others.
    • His seven assists were a game-high.
    • His -5 plus-minus was a team-worst.

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1867073146421186899

G League Games

• Maine Celtics defeated the Long Island Nets, 120-100.
  • Drew Peterson (Libertyville) had 10 points (3-5 FG, 2-4 3PT, 1-1 FT) with six rebounds (one offensive), five assists, a turnover, and a +23 plus-minus in 26 minutes.

🚙 @Drewpeterson23 finds a cutting @TristanEnaruna for your @billdodgegmc Drive of the Game. pic.twitter.com/lQSDXqb3ae

— Maine Celtics (@MaineCeltics) December 12, 2024

• Memphis Hustle defeated Mexico City Capitanes, 112-101.
  • Lucas Williamson (Whitney Young) had 19 points on 6-11 shooting (all threes) including 1-for-2 from the free-throw line with three rebounds, four assists, two steals, two turnovers, and +4 plus-minus in 34 minutes.
    • His 34 minutes were a game-high.
    • His six made three pointers were a team-high.
    • His 11 three point attempters were a team-high.
    • His four assists were a team-high tied with Xavier Johnson.
  • Malachi Smith (Belleville) had 11 points (5-9 FG, 1-2 3PT) with six rebounds, three assists, a steal, a turnover, and a +5 plus-minus.