Cavs guard Collin Sexton may miss significant time due to knee injury

Cavs lose Collin Sexton to a meniscus tear

The Cleveland Cavaliers will lose another starter to injury after shooting guard Collin Sexton suffered a meniscus tear, just as the Cavs took home an impressive 126-109 road victory against the New York Knicks on Sunday.

The eighth overall pick of the 2018 draft appeared to have banged knees with center Jarrett Allen in the second quarter against the Knicks and left the game shortly after, taking his time to get back up following the collision and was visibly favoring the knee.

While Sexton did try to return to play, he was promptly taken out, finishing with eight points in under 13 minutes of play. He is expected to miss significant time, although the severity of the injury is yet unclear.

The Cavaliers released an official update on Monday, stating that “further examination of the injury and an MRI administered today at Cleveland Clinic Sports Health revealed a meniscus tear,” adding that he will undergo additional evaluation.

The Cavs have guys willing and able to step up to the plate

Without Collin Sexton, the Cavaliers have now lost a fourth member of their starting lineup to various health reasons this early in the season.

Fortunately, Isaac Okoro could be returning after missing seven games to a hamstring strain. Kevin Love and Lauri Markkanen, who are both still out due to health and safety protocols, may also be available soon.

In the event that Okoro would be rejoining the team during the upcoming home games, the defensive-minded swingman may start in place of Sexton as he has shown enough versatility to play both the small forward or shooting guard positions.

Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff can also opt to pair point guards Darius Garland and Ricky Rubio. The veteran floor general Rubio just exploded for a career-high 37 points to go with 10 assists against the Knicks and has seen some extended minutes this season together with Garland on the floor.

Regardless of the combination, the team also has a revolving door of reserves ready to step up to the plate and can play multiple, whether that is Cedi Osman, Dean Wade, Lamar Stevens, or Dylan Windler. Heck, even seldom-used reserves Denzel Valentine or Kevin Pangos can help back them up if necessary.

Despite being hobbled, the 7-4 Cavaliers are riding on a positive wave after having won six of their last eight games and will look to extend their four-game winning streak when they open the homestand with a face-off against the Washington Wizards on the 11th.