Cavs’ De’Andre Hunter Doubtful for Season Opener After Knee Collision

The Cleveland Cavaliers may be without De'Andre Hunter for their season opener against the New York Knicks. After Monday’s practice, head coach Kenny Atkinson said Hunter did individual work and moved well but did not join team drills, adding it’s “too early to say” if he’ll play Wednesday at Madison Square Garden.

Hunter suffered a knee-to-knee collision in the preseason finale against the Detroit Pistons while defending Tobias Harris. He remained optimistic after the 118-100 win, saying he’d “for sure” be ready for the opener, with no twist or serious damage. Atkinson noted it was a strong hit but precautionary measures kept Hunter out of the second half. The 27-year-old has not participated in 5-on-5 drills for nearly a week, suggesting the Cavs are being careful with their key wing players as they head into the new season.