Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love will be 'ready to go' in Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers despite sustaining a reported left thumb injury, head coach Tyronn Lue assured.
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Love was injured trying to deflect a pass with less than four minutes to play in a game the Cavs won 100-97 to tie the Eastern Conference first-round series at 1-1 on Thursday (AEST).
The five-time NBA All-Star received treatment from the Cleveland medical team but did not return to the action, with claims he suffered a partially torn ligament soon circulating.
However, Lue insisted Love will not be forced to sit out when the series heads to Indiana.
"He's good. A little jammed thumb, but he's fine. He's great, ready to go Game 3," said Lue, before adding Love did not return because the Cavs "got a good flow going".
Speaking to reporters after the match, Love remarked: "I saw a replay, too, and it didn't look good. It hurt pretty bad.
"Initially, I told Ty afterwards that I could have gone back in, but I think he liked the flow out there, and guys made big plays down the stretch.
"It's not going to feel great tomorrow [Thursday], but throw some ice on it, tape it up and be ready to go."