The Cleveland Cavaliers are coming into the back stretch of the season as one of the championship favorites in the east after the Derrick Rose injury, but they have an injury of their own, as Kyrie Irving is getting an MRI on his shoulder and could miss the matchup on Friday against the Indiana Pacers, as he did not travel with the team to Indy.
According to ESPN.com, Irving injured his shoulder against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night in the second half. Irving was able to return to the game after leaving, but he is set for an MRI and could miss the matchup on Friday night. Irving did not have his arm in a sling after the game, which is always a good sign, but he did not travel with the team and is officially doubtful for that matchup.
ESPN.com reports that Irving could fly to the game on his own if the tests come back clean. Irving finished the game with 24 points in 38 minutes and he also added three rebounds. The Cavs have been playing very well recently and losing Irving for any period of time would be big. The team doesn't have much behind Irving at the PG position and after Derrick Rose was injured for the Bulls, the Cavs are hoping that the injury to Irving is not serious.
The Cavaliers are currently third in the east and first in the central division and with the Rose injury, many see the team as title favorites. James led the way with 42 points, 11 rebounds and five assists against the Warriors and that was one of the biggest wins for the Cavs all season. The Warriors and the Cavaliers could easily be a finals preview with the way the teams are playing. James and Steph Curry are also both MVP candidates.
"It's a little sore right now," Irving said after the game. "Obviously it's uncomfortable. We'll see how it feels tomorrow and go from there."
