The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t need a lot of help. Even so, they got a prime reinforcement without making any trades. Max Strus got off to a slow start to the season after missing a big chunk with a foot injury he sustained during the preseason.

Squaring off against the Pacers for the first time this season, the Cavs could be without one of their most important bench players.

The Pacers host the Cleveland Cavaliers in NBA action on 1/14/25. Here are live score updates, stats, schedule and highlights.

The NBA-leading Cleveland Cavaliers fell in Sunday's home game against the Indiana Pacers with a chance to extend their winning streak to 13.

which avenged Sunday's 15-point home loss to the Pacers. Jarrett Allen chipped in 16 points and nine rebounds, and Max Strus had 13 points off the bench. Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 23 points, followed by 19 from Bennedict Mathurin and Myles Turner's 17.

(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) Indiana Pacers center Thomas Bryant (3) shoots in front of Cleveland Cavaliers forward Georges Niang (20) and Max Strus (1) in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki ...

Pascal Siakam scored 23 points and Bennedict Mathurin 19 for the Pacers, who had their six-game winning streak halted. Myles Turned added 17 points. The Cavaliers led 82-77 in the third quarter before going on a 10-0 run that included 3-pointers by Max Strus, Georges Niang and Mobley. Cleveland led 100-89 after three periods.

which avenged Sunday's 15-point home loss to the Pacers. Jarrett Allen chipped in 16 points and nine rebounds, and Max Strus had 13 points off the bench. Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 23 points ...

Pacers center Myles Turner nailed a 3-pointer to give Indiana a 90-78 lead with 7:19 ... lead Cavaliers The Cavs look flat-footed tonight. Max Strus committed back-to-back turnovers, and then ...

Strus chipped in 13 points (4-8 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 1-2 FT), four rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal across 22 minutes during Tuesday's 127-117 victory over the Pacers.

Who knows if Butler will end up on the move, but there is a nice consolation prize waiting to find out where his next home might be. Cam Johnson, the soon-to-be 29-year-old Brooklyn Nets wing, has been arguably their best player overall this season.

The Cleveland Cavaliers still have a couple of weeks to make a move or two before the NBA trade deadline, and it's looking more and more like they may not do ve