Kevin Love Injury Update: Cavs F Likely Out for Playoffs, Surgery a Possibility

The Cleveland Cavaliers' title hopes just took a major hit, as it appears star forward Kevin Love will be out for the duration of the postseason, according to the team's general manager, David Griffin.

Chris Haynes of the Northeast Ohio Media Group has the report:

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"I want to make it clear that's highly unlikely," Griffin said of Love returning during the playoffs from a dislocated left shoulder. "The damage to his shoulder is extensive. This is not a situation where we're expecting he will be available for any of this, and we're in the process of gathering information in terms of what the exact, right, next steps are, and every option is on the table."

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Howard Beck of Bleacher Report has more on Love's specific injury:

Haynes adds that surgery may be an option, according to Griffin:

The loss of Love is a huge blow for Cleveland. While Love, 26, saw his points (16.4) and rebounds (9.7) per game decrease from a season ago (26.1 PPG, 12.5 RPG) after joining the Cavs from the Minnesota Timberwolves, he's been crucial for the team next to LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. 

ESPN Stats & Info's Twitter account posted some statistics for the Cavs this postseason with Love on and off the court:

Love is a unique player, able to crash the boards but also able to stretch teams with his ability to hit perimeter shots. He's an excellent outlet passer, and with him on the court, the Cavs were one of the favorites to win the NBA title. 

Without him, however, it will be quite the uphill battle.

Cleveland awaits the winner of the Chicago Bulls-Milwaukee Bucks series, which the Bulls currently lead 3-2. Sans Love, Cleveland could potentially struggle against either team, but the Bulls would certainly pose a legitimately strong threat to oust the Cavs from the postseason early.