Cavaliers announce key player out for Raptors game

The Cleveland Cavaliers will host the Toronto Raptors in Game 1 of the first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon in Ohio, led by the expectation that Cleveland’s rotation will be intact aside from one setback: Thomas Bryant has been ruled out with a calf injury. The Cavs announced Bryant’s absence ahead of the matchup, with all other rotation players available.

Cleveland earned the fourth seed after finishing the regular season 52-30, setting up a home-friendly start to the series against Toronto.

Bryant, in his first year with the Cavs, averaged 6.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game while shooting 50.6% from the field and 35.9% from three in 60 appearances.

Drafted 42nd overall in 2017, Bryant has spent time with the Lakers, Heat, Pacers and Nuggets over nine seasons. The 2023 NBA Champion carries career marks of about 8.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, with solid shooting percentages across 393 games.

Danny Cunningham of Locked On Cavs noted Bryant’s status, saying: “Cavs list Thomas Bryant (calf) as out for Game 1 against the Toronto Raptors. Everyone else is available. This will be the first time all season the Cavs have their entire expected rotation available.”

With Bryant out, Cleveland will lean on the rest of its healthy rotation as it opens the series against Toronto, aiming to establish early momentum in Game 1.