Max Strus could make season debut Friday

Strus is listed as questionable for Cleveland’s showdown with Milwaukee.

The Cleveland Cavaliers could be getting their ideal starting lineup back for their matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Max Strus, who hasn’t played at all yet this season after injuring his ankle in a preseason workout, could be making his debut on Friday as he’s officially questionable for the game.

“Nine weeks is a very long time,” said Strus after practice on Thursday. “It’s been hard. There’s been definitely dark days.”

Strus was able to practice on Wednesday and Thursday with the team. How Strus responds to the increased activity will determine whether he’s able to play in either or both of the Cavaliers’ games this weekend.

“Super,” said head coach Kenny Atkinson when asked about how Strus looked in practice. “Feedback was really good today. I’d say we had a moderate practice. He got through it fine. Now what does it look like when he wakes up? That’s really going to be the trigger on what happens the next two games. He looked phenomenal the last two days.”

Strus has seemed like a perfect fit within the Cavs offense that’s currently the second-best in the league. His shooting and cutting should amplify what has already been a potent attack.

“[The way the Cavs have] played offense and scored the ball, it’s kind of everything I’ve wanted to do since I’ve been here,” Strus said. “We struggled with [offense] last year so it’s been kind of fun to watch from the outside that it’s been working, but also frustrating that I haven’t been able to be a part of it.”

Even if Strus returns, the Cavs will not be completely healthy for Friday’s game against Milwaukee. It was announced earlier today that Isaac Okoro will be out for at least two weeks with a shoulder injury.