Why Max Strus isn't playing for Cavs vs. Knicks with injury news

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Max Strus is one of the more underrated members of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In the early going of the new season, the Cavs will get to find out how they do without him.

Strus is out to begin the season, as is Darius Garland.

Cleveland opens the season Wednesday night against the New York Knicks, who are also without multiple players (Josh Hart, Mitchell Robinson).

The Cavs will be down one of their best shooters in Strus.

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Why isn't Max Strus playing tonight?

Max Strus is sitting out for the Cavaliers to start the season due to injury.

Strus is recovering from a Jones fracture in his left foot.

He had his surgery in late August after hurting the foot during an offseason workout.

The injury recovery timeline was three-to-four months, so if all goes well, Strus can get back before the calendar flips to 2026.

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In the meantime, the Cavs have one less lineup decision to make.

Strus competed for minutes at the 3 last season with De'Andre Hunter, but Hunter should see heavy run in the early going with no Strus available.

The Cavs' best shooter off the bench right now is Sam Merrill, so he should get plenty of shots up.