This time is just like the last time.
The Cavaliers have pushed past one of their now standard regular-season slumps — this one started the season — and again look like the class of the Eastern Conference. And they are about to get a lot better, with Isaiah Thomas inching closer to a return to the court.
Acquired in the offseason blockbuster trade that sent Kyrie Irving to the Celtics, Thomas remains sidelined as he recovers from hip injuries, but on Sunday, the NBA’s third-leading scorer last season teased fans with a four-word tweet that indicated it’s almost “time” for his return.
“Locked in! It’s almost [clock emoji],” Thomas said.
Thomas’ return to the court could come sooner than expected, according to Cleveland.com. The Cavaliers initially pinned his return for Jan. 1, but signs suggest he could debut sometime in December.
“If I could average 30 points a night, I’d be out there already,” Thomas told the site. “I can’t right now so I’m not out there yet.”
Thomas has been seen practicing with the team and started to participate in some contact drills, but he hasn’t taken part in 3-on-3, which is the next step before he makes his debut in a Cavs uniform.
When the time comes, Thomas likely will slot right into the Cavaliers’ starting five, next to J.R. Smith in the backcourt. That would allow head coach Tyronn Lue some flexibility, although Lue said he won’t expand his team’s rotation past 10 players.
The Cavaliers have now won eight straight after back-to-back demolitions of the 76ers and Heat. They’ve thrived despite injuries to Tristan Thompson and Iman Shumpert, who just returned, and the disappearance of Derrick Rose — pegged as the starter during Thomas’ injury.