OAKLAND, United States (AFP) — Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love is questionable for game one of the NBA Finals as he remains in the concussion protocol, coach Tyronn Lue said Tuesday.
Love missed the Cavaliers’ game seven Eastern Conference victory over Boston on Sunday after clashing heads with the Celtics Jayson Tatum in the previous game.
It remains unclear if the 29-year-old will be recovered in time for Thursday’s opener against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland.
“He’s still in the concussion protocol,” Lue told reporters on a conference call on Monday.
“As far as being ready for Thursday, we’re not sure. But he’s still in the concussion protocol.”
Love had been averaging 13.9 points per game with 10 rebounds in the postseason this year.
The veteran forward is a key pillar of the Cavs roster and will be crucial if Cleveland are to upset the Warriors in their fourth straight NBA Finals meeting.
Love has a history of concussion problems, missing games in March after sustaining a knock as well game two of the 2016 Finals.
© Agence France-Presse