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Andrew LopezESPN
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love returns to action against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday-evening after missing all but two games this season.
“His role tonight will be limited,” said Cavs coach JB Bickerstaff before the game in New Orleans. “We actually have that number in mind. We want to put him in a position where he can build up. We don’t want to exaggerate tonight where he made an impact before Sunday and then forward.”
Love will be in the starting lineup, the team announced, alongside Larry Nance Jr. and Jarrett Allen in the frontcourt. The game also marks Nance’s return to the line-up. He’s been missing more than a month with a broken finger on his left.
The versatile forward was a big part of Cleveland’s surprise start to the season and his defense has been sorely missed during the team’s swoon in recent weeks.
Love hasn’t played since December 27 due to a calf injury. Bickerstaff said Love’s goal is to play “as many games as possible” for the rest of the season.
“If that means keeping an eye on his minutes more than usual, then I think that’s where our focus is … getting him in as many games as possible to finish the season,” said Bickerstaff. .
Bickerstaff said he’s not worried about Love working back into the Cavs’ lineup.
“I think all guys understand how good Kevin is,” said Bickerstaff. “They understand the impact he can have on a game. How he makes every player a better basketball player.