Lamar Stevens Replaces Caris LeVert In Cavaliers' Starting Lineup

Stevens set to make third-straight start against the Hornets

Author:
Jon Rudder
Nov 18, 2022 6:52 PM EST

In this story:

The Cleveland Cavaliers made a change to their starting five ahead of Friday night's tipoff with the Charlotte Hornets.

Lamar Stevens, who had made a pair of spot starts as the Wine and Gold reshuffled their lineup during the brief absences of Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell, replaced Caris LeVert in the starting lineup.

Stevens has scored in double figures in each of his first two starts of the season. He collected a season-high 15 points six rebounds in his first start Sunday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves and followed it up by scoring 10 points five rebounds in the Cavs 113-98 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.

LeVert had won the starting small forward position out of training camp and busted loose for a season-high 41 points in an overtime win over the Boston Celtics, but immediately followed it up by scoring just one point, coming on a free-throw against the New York Knicks.

Stevens had played sparingly this season prior to making his start on Sunday night amid a recent string of injuries for the Cavs. He had appeared in just three games and totaled just 23 minutes while scoring six points prior to earning the starting nod against the Timberwolves.

As the Cavaliers look to end a five-game losing skid against the Hornets, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff was looking for some sort of spark and decided to supplant LeVert with Stevens to create a starting five we haven't gotten a glimpse of yet this season.

Dean Wade, who has made four starts this season was inactive again as he deals with a knee issue. Prior to the game, Bickerstaff said Wade is dealing with an infection and he's waiting for antibiotics to take hold.

Allen returns to the starting lineup after missing two games, one with a sore ankle and another with a non-covid related illness.

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