The Cleveland Cavaliers are reassessing their substitution patterns after a shaky performance from the second unit in Sunday’s four-point loss to the Detroit Pistons.
Cavaliers
Detroit seized control in the second quarter and never trailed again, exposing a Cleveland bench that has lacked consistency since the start of the season. Head coach Kenny Atkinson said the coaching staff is exploring new combinations to stabilize the reserve group.
“Obviously, it wasn’t the right combination. The bench play hurt us,” Atkinson noted. He added that keeping two starters on the floor at all times is one option under consideration. Last year’s key reserve Ty Jerome left in free agency, and starting Sam Merrill on Sunday further depleted bench depth.
Rockets
Houston center Alperen Sengun will be re-examined later this week and is expected to miss approximately 10 to 14 days with a lateral right ankle sprain, head coach Ime Udoka told sideline reporter Vanessa Richardson. The 23-year-old was injured just over a minute into Saturday’s loss at Dallas and did not return.
Sengun has been central to Houston’s offense, averaging 22.6 points, 9.3 rebounds and 6.7 assists in 27 games before the injury. The Rockets are 21-11, sitting fifth in the Western Conference, a half-game behind the Lakers.
Pacers
New Indiana Pacers forward/center Micah Potter said his summer with the USA Select Team continues to boost his confidence. Potter was one of 12 players picked to scrimmage against Team USA before the Paris Olympics and remained a practice player during its exhibition tour.
“That was, hands down, the coolest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” Potter told the Indianapolis Star, adding that sharing the floor with elite talent helped him “realize you belong.”
The Cavaliers next face lineup decisions, the Rockets await Sengun’s return, and the Pacers hope Potter’s newfound confidence translates to production.
Source: Hoops Wire
