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CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 22: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against the Charlotte Bobcats during the game on October 22, 2021 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images

Cavaliers' Ricky Rubio Carried Off Floor After Suffering Knee Injury vs. Pelicans

Tyler ConwayDec 28, 2021

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio appeared to suffer a left knee injury during his team's 108-104 road loss against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday.

ESPN's Andrew Lopez, NBA analyst Nate Duncan and The Athletic's Will Guillory provided more information:

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He had 27 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists, two blocks and two steals before exiting. Dean Wade replaced Rubio with 2:20 remaining in regulation.

Rubio entered Tuesday averaging 12.7 points and 6.5 assists through his first 32 games. He's provided steadiness to a Cleveland team that's been desperately searching for a point guard with a defensive presence.

Darius Garland could return to a more primary ball-handler role with Rubio out, but he's currently in the league's health and safety protocols.

Ultimately, losing Rubio for any amount of time will be a tough blow. If Rubio and Garland are out, more minutes figure to open for Kevin Pangos and Denzel Valentine, two guards who came off the bench Tuesday.