INDEPENDECE, Ohio -- After revealing bad news earlier on Monday that head coach Tyronn Lue will be taking a leave of absence from the team, the Cleveland Cavaliers have announced that All-Star Kevin Love will make his return on Monday for their matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Love has not played since the Cavs' loss to the Detroit Pistons on Jan. 30, in which he suffered a fractured left hand. In the time since the All-Star forward's injury, Cleveland has overhauled its roster, trading away six players and bringing back four at the NBA trade deadline in February.
The return of Love couldn't come at a better time for the Cavs, who are embarking on a crucial final stretch of their 2017-18 regular season. With a 40-29 record, Cleveland currently sits in third place in the Eastern Conference -- just a half-game ahead of the Washington Wizards and Indiana Pacers.
After facing Milwaukee on Monday, the Cavs will take on the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday in what will be their first of two remaining matchups against the top team in the Eastern Conference.
Despite Love's return, Cleveland will hardly be at full strength against the Bucks on Monday. The Cavs have already ruled out Tristan Thompson (ankle), Larry Nance Jr. (hamstring), Rodney Hood (back) and Cedi Osman (hip) playing against Milwaukee, only increasing the importance of Love making his long-awaited return. Kyle Korver is a game-time decision with a sore right foot.
