The Cleveland Cavaliers need to add some punch to their lineup especially now that Kyrie Irving is injured if they plan to climb the Eastern Conference playoff ladder, according to ESPN.
The Cavs acquired Luol Deng in exchange with Andrew Bynum hoping Deng would be enough to end Cleveland's long drought in the hardcourt. However, it is still unclear if the All-Star Deng will be able to play early Tuesday against the visiting Philadelphia 76ers.
Deng averages a career-best 19.0 points along with 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists and is a free agent after the season. The Cavs think that he can provide an immediate upgrade for their team who has not been consistent when it comes to its small forwards.
"Luol reflects all that we are striving for in building our team," Cavs general manager Chris Grant said in a press statement. "He's a tremendous defensive player that can impact the game on both ends of the court with a team-first mentality and is a high character leader."
However, it remains uncertain if Deng will make his Cavs debut Tuesday. It's also unclear if Cleveland will get Irving back. The Cavaliers' 82-78 loss to Indiana on Sunday was the third straight game Irving has missed with what people believe to be a minor knee injury. His point guard back up, Jarrett Jack, also missed the Sunday game due to back spasms.
"These types of losses hurt because we were right there," guard Dion Waiters said after the his team cut a 16-point deficit to one in the closing minutes. "We've been there all year long though. Once we find a way to close these games out, we'll be really good."
With the 76ers visiting Cleveland, it poses another threat to the Cavs losing streak. Philadelphia is entering the game with four consecutive road games for the first time since April 18-25, 2012. Philadelphia had lost 13 in a row away from home before facing Cleveland.
