CLEVELAND: The injury to Kyrie Irving’s right hamstring that was never considered serious has been serious enough to keep him out of three games now and counting.
Irving missed Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Bulls, meaning he’ll have a full week off between games for the second time this season.
Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue, however, maintains he isn’t concerned about it.
“I don’t think it’s serious. I think he’s fine,” Lue said. “Just being cautious and we’ll see after tonight’s game if he’s ready to go on Friday or Sunday.”
The Cavs begin a six-game road trip Friday at Brooklyn. If Irving can’t go Friday, their next game is Sunday at the Phoenix Suns.
Flu bug
The flu bugs and viruses that have swept through the NBA have reached Cleveland. Channing Frye fought an illness for a few days recently and now LeBron James is sick. The Cavs, however, continue to believe Kevin Love’s problems stem from food poisoning and not the flu.
Richard Jefferson said it’s only natural for viruses to spread once a couple of players get sick because they’re all touching the same ball and using the same towels.
“It’s part of the season, part of the year,” Lue said. “It happens on all teams and when it’s going around you just try to be as cautious as possible. When guys are sick, keep them away and just try to keep them at home for as long as possible and be ready for the game.
“It’s something that’s going around. Channing’s really sick, Kevin’s sick and now LeBron is sick. So hopefully it doesn’t continue to spread.”
The one person it hasn’t affected yet is Tristan Thompson, who has now played in a league-leading 404 consecutive games. That mark is also a franchise record.
“Just taking care of my body, just vitamins, rest and [being] lucky,” Thompson said. “Shoot, you got to get lucky sometimes in this game to be able to play every night and play at a high level. The cards are in my favor, for now.”
Jimmy Butler excels
Bulls guard Jimmy Butler entered the game averaging 35.8 points in his last four games, including a 52-point performance against Charlotte on Monday.
“He’s such a complete player with his ability to score in the post. He can do it mid-range, he’s shot the 3-ball very well,” Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said. “Off the dribble, he creates contact and is getting himself to the free-throw line, and passing and rebounding. He’s done a little bit of everything.”
Jason Lloyd can be reached at jlloyd@thebeaconjournal.com.