Isaac Okoro questionable for Game 1 of playoffs against New York Knicks

CLEVELAND, Ohio — There’s nonetheless no readability on Isaac Okoro’s enjoying standing for Recreation 1 of the Cavs’ first-round playoff collection in opposition to the New York Knicks.

Okoro, who has been collaborating in elements of apply all through the week and took contact a couple of of these days, is formally listed as questionable. The Cavs have remained optimistic about his availability for the collection opener and all indicators level to him enjoying.

The Cavs host the Knicks at 6 p.m. Saturday night.

Advisable Cavs tales

Okoro missed the ultimate six video games of the common season with left knee soreness brought on by a bone bruise. He’s Cleveland’s finest perimeter defender, and his presence can be required in opposition to an isolation-heavy New York crew that options level guard Jalen Brunson — a lefty who scored a career-high 48 factors in the latest assembly between the 2 groups — and Sixth Man of the Yr candidate Immanuel Quickley.

“It’s certainly one of Isaac’s strengths defending a man like that,” Coach J.B. Bickerstaff mentioned when requested particularly in regards to the Brunson matchup. “Clearly, Brunson is a heck of a participant. He’s extraordinarily proficient and has confirmed to be clutch within the brightest moments. However these are the challenges that Isaac accepts and he loves.”

Bickerstaff has repeatedly performed coy when discussing Okoro’s enjoying standing.

“We’ll see,” Bickerstaff mentioned Thursday.

Okoro final performed on March 26, when he was on the ground for simply 9 minutes because the Cavs beat Houston to lock up their first playoff spot since 2018. With nothing left to play for within the ultimate weeks of the common season, the crew took a cautious method, wanting to offer Okoro additional time to heal, understanding his significance to their postseason hopes.

“There’s an vitality that he provides the group when he’s doing Isaac issues, and also you return and simply watch movie and also you marvel on the method he can simply preserve himself in place and is at all times within the play,” Bickerstaff mentioned. “There’s no screening motion, there’s no misdirection that may get him out of place and it’s enjoyable to observe. He’s elite at it.”

Okoro missed the March 31 sport in opposition to the Knicks. New York All-Star star Julius Randle was additionally out with a sprained ankle — and is listed as questionable as nicely.

In the event you or a beloved one has questions and wishes to speak to knowledgeable about playing, name the Ohio Downside Playing Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or the Nationwide Council on Program Playing Helpline (NCPG) at 1-800-522-4700 or go to 1800gambler.web for extra data. 21+ and current in Ohio. Playing drawback? Name 1-800-Gambler.