With Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala already ruled out for Game 1 of the NBA Finals, it appears the Cleveland Cavaliers could also be without one of their key players on Thursday night. According to Tom Withers of The Associated Press, as of Wednesday, Love remains in the NBA's concussion protocol.
At NBA Finals media day in Oakland, Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue confirmed Love remains in the NBA's concussion protocol, although he said he remained hopeful he'd be cleared in time to play in Game 1.
Following a first-quarter collision with Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals last Friday, Love proceeded to miss Cleveland's Game 7 victory in Boston with "concussion-like symptoms."
If Love has indeed suffered a concussion, it would mark the third of his career, including one which caused him to miss a game in the 2016 NBA Finals. This past March, the 10th-year forward missed a game against the Charlotte Hornets due to a concussion.
In Love's absence, Lue started Jeff Green in the Cavs' 87-79 Game 7 victory over the Celtics, which clinched a fourth straight Finals appearance against Golden State. The veteran forward responded with 19 points, including the final go-ahead 3-point shot in the fourth quarter of the contest, while providing enough versatility on defense for Cleveland to switch every screen.
Game 1 between the Warriors and Cavs will tip-off from Oakland on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET.