x
Breaking News
More () »

Tyronn Lue says Cleveland Cavaliers C Tristan Thompson will play in Game 4 vs. Indiana Pacers

Thompson has yet to play any significant minutes in the Cavs' opening round series.
Credit: Jason Miller/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS -- With his team facing a 2-1 series deficit, Tyronn Lue is prepared to make a change. According to the Cleveland Cavaliers head coach, Tristan Thompson will return to the team's rotation for its Game 4 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals matchup with the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night.

"I think so," Lue said with a smile after shootaround when asked if Thompson would play on Sunday. "I can trust him. I think Tristan can get us extra possessions with offensive rebounding. He brings toughness. I think that's been a problem the last couple of games."

Despite having previously been a mainstay of the Cavs' rotation -- and a starter in each of the past three NBA Finals -- Thompson has only played in two minutes of mop-up duty in the first three games of Cleveland's opening round matchup. Opting to initially run with a 10-man rotation, Lue has favored Larry Nance Jr. as the Cavs' first -- and only -- big man off the bench, with Kevin Love and Jeff Green joining LeBron James in Cleveland's starting frontcourt.

Although Thompson will be coming off the bench, Lue is hopeful the 6-foot-9 center's energy will carry over to his Cavs teammates. After Cleveland blew a 17-point halftime lead in Game 3 on Friday, Lue pointed to a lack of toughness from his team as one of the primary culprit's for the Cavs' latest loss.

"I think he's infectious," Lue said of Thompson. "That's what he brings, that's what he's been bringing for us. I would love to get him out there."

In 53 games this season, Thompson has averaged 5.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.

On Sunday, Lue also revealed that should point guard George Hill be unable to play due to his ailing back, Jose Calderon will start at point guard on Sunday. Hill is listed as questionable with back spasms.

Stream live with fuboTV: 7-day trial

Before You Leave, Check This Out