12 articles
CLE • Guard-Forward • #1
3 months ago
According to the Cavaliers, Strus suffered a Jones fracture in his left foot during a recent workout. He’ll miss three to four months, meaning the starting guard/forward may not be available until after Thanksgiving. With Darius Garland (toe) likely out until the end of October at the earliest, Cleveland will likely begin the 2025-26 season without two starters. Strus’ absence means more opportunities will be available to De’Andre Hunter, Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson when training camp opens in late September. Hunter would be the safest choice for fantasy managers, while Merrill offers value as a three-point shooter. Tyson, who played sparingly as a rookie, would be the “wild card” for the Cavaliers.
Source: Cleveland Cavaliers
BOS • Guard-Forward • #1
5 months ago
The Magic officially selected the versatile Shulga, but the pick is headed to Boston via trade. According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, the former VCU standout will be on a two-way contract. The good news for Shulga is that Boston’s G League program has been a positive asset, which should help his development. He’s a versatile guard who can play on or off the ball offensively and earned Atlantic 10 Player of the Year honors as a senior.
CLE • Guard-Forward • #1
6 months ago
Game 5 was brutal for Strus, who missed all six of his three-point attempts and could not make a shot from the field overall. While he did grab seven rebounds, three more than fellow starter Jarrett Allen, the Cavaliers needed more offensive production from Strus. Due to offseason ankle surgery, Strus did not make his first appearance until just before Christmas, which put him in a difficult spot regarding fantasy value. While many managers did not expect much from Strus beyond offering late-round value, he finished outside the top-175 in eight- and nine-cat formats. Look for him again to be a late-round pick in most fantasy leagues.
CLE • Guard-Forward • #1
6 months ago
While Donovan Mitchell’s masterclass and the returns of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter were the biggest storylines of Game 3, Strus’ performance should not be overlooked. After tallying 23 points in Game 2, the sharpshooter shot 4-of-8 from three and recorded his second straight 20-point stat line. Also, Strus was the primary defender on Tyrese Haliburton for most of the night, with the Pacers’ point guard only scoring four points. Cleveland will hope for a similar performance from Strus as they look to even the series at two games apiece on Sunday.
CLE • Guard-Forward • #1
6 months ago
Strus stepped up in Game 2. With Darius Garland (toe), Evan Mobley (ankle) and De’Andre Hunter (thumb) out and the Cavaliers in need of scoring, Strus had 23 points on 18 shots including five made three-pointers. Strus hit his last three with just over a minute left in the fourth quarter, which gave the Cavs a seven-point lead. Unfortunately, Cleveland would squander that lead and fall behind 2-0 in the series. Strus will continue to be counted on for increased scoring unless the Cavaliers can get healthy for Game 3.
CLE • Guard-Forward • #1
7 months ago
With Darius Garland (toe) out and Donovan Mitchell (13/3/1 with three three-pointers) shooting 4-of-14 from the field, Strus was one of the Cavaliers who stepped up in Game 3. Having attempted 13 shots in the first two games, he matched that number on Saturday and recorded a series-high point total. The ease with which Cleveland won on Saturday may factor into what happens with Garland for Game 4 on Monday. If he remains out, look for Strus to be one of the Cavaliers who takes on an expanded role.
CLE • Guard-Forward • #1
7 months ago
Strus was one of three Cavaliers starters who returned to the lineup after sitting out Thursday’s loss to the Pacers. He shot 5-of-12 from three on the night, including three makes during the fourth quarter. Strus’s fantasy value is limited to that of a specialist since he shares the court with four standouts ahead of him in the offensive pecking order. However, he can be helpful to fantasy managers needing three-pointers, rebounds and the occasional defensive stats. Strus and the Cavaliers host the Pacers in their regular-season finale on Sunday, and the outcome will not impact either team’s playoff seeding.
CLE • Guard-Forward • #1
8 months ago
Strus is off the injury report after sitting out Friday’s loss to the Pistons. His return means Isaac Okoro will be bumped to the bench, where he offers limited value due to the inconsistent offensive production. Okoro does not need to be rostered in most fantasy leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Guard-Forward • #1
8 months ago
Strus will sit out the second night of Cleveland’s back-to-back, which will give him a chance to rest with the playoffs approaching. De’Andre Hunter or Sam Merrill will likely replace him in the starting lineup, though both should see a boost in minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Guard-Forward • #1
8 months ago
Cleveland has been rotating members of its “core four” to get rest nights, which has opened the door for Strus to take on a larger role offensively. He was quiet over their last three games, but he was able to provide a scoring punch on Thursday. Coming off the best season of his career, Strus has quietly been better in a smaller role. His minutes, points and assists are all down, but his three-pointers are about the same, and his shooting percentages have improved. They’re too deep for Strus to need to play 32 minutes per game again, but it should give them confidence in him heading into the postseason.
CLE • Guard-Forward • #1
8 months ago
On a night when Donovan Mitchell shot 5-of-18 from the field, Strus stepped up in a losing effort. The 24 points were a season-high for the Cavaliers’ wing, who also matched his season-high with five three-pointers. Strus is primarily a points and three-pointers option, which is why he’s rostered in just 17 percent of Yahoo! leagues. And since the All-Star break, he is ranked outside the top 150 in eight-cat formats. Cleveland will play three more games during Week 20, starting with the Kings on Wednesday.
CLE • Guard-Forward • #1
8 months ago
All five Cavaliers starters scored in double figures Sunday night, with Strus leading the way. The 17 points are the most he’s scored in a game since February 25, and the Cavaliers wing is averaging 2.5 three-pointers since the All-Star break. However, Strus hasn’t provided much value in the other fantasy-relevant categories most nights, with Sunday’s nine-rebound effort being an exception. He’s only worth a look in deep leagues where there’s a need for three-pointers.