NBA Rumors: Cavs Still Optimistic Kevin Love Will Play for Game 3 Finals despite Skipping Team Rehearsals

By Jenn Loro - 09 Jun '16 11:23AM

The Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James-Kyrie Irving-Kevin Love trio has been the team's potent weapon throughout the season and the finals. However, the Cavs forward is still not medically cleared to carry on the game with his teammates in the make-or-break home Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

One anonymous insider revealed that Love feels extremely 'frustrated' over the team's position to keep him off the game until he receives the green signal to participate. Per NBA concussion protocol program, Love must pass all physical exertion tests without any signs of concussion. He can only return to play if he receives medical clearance from the team doctor and the director of the NBA's concussion protocol program.

As a result, the Cavs are making slight changes to their starting lineup by putting James as power forward and reserve Richard Jefferson. Replacing Love is Channing Frye who just averaged 11 minutes in the first two games of the series. Coach Tyron Lue could also make user of center Timofey Mozgov as a starter.

"We've started a lot of different lineups that haven't worked," Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said as per ESPN report. "Putting LeBron at the 4 will help match their speed."

During the Wednesday shoot-around, James looked quite well in full form and in high spirits.

"I just think we haven't played us. I don't think we've been as aggressive, been as physical as we need to be, especially on the defensive end," the four-time MVP said as quoted by USA Today.

Losing Love to concussion in Game 3 (or possibly the remainder of the Finals) doesn't look good for Cleveland. But this could also be an opportunity for Cavs coach Lue to do some rework in their gameplay and strategy to avoid getting swept by the advancing Warriors who are increasingly inching towards this year's title.

As per Bleacher Report, Love averages 8.8 points per game while shooting 23.5% from the field in 4 regular-season and playoff games he participated in against the Warriors. In games he has played against other NBA teams, he posted an average of 16.4 points while putting down 37.9% of triples.