With Darius Garland (toe) out and Donovan Mitchell (13/3/1 with three three-pointers) shooting 4-of-14 from the field, Strus was one of the Cavaliers who stepped up in Game 3. Having attempted 13 shots in the first two games, he matched that number on Saturday and recorded a series-high point total. The ease with which Cleveland won on Saturday may factor into what happens with Garland for Game 4 on Monday. If he remains out, look for Strus to be one of the Cavaliers who takes on an expanded role.

Strus was one of three Cavaliers starters who returned to the lineup after sitting out Thursday’s loss to the Pacers. He shot 5-of-12 from three on the night, including three makes during the fourth quarter. Strus’s fantasy value is limited to that of a specialist since he shares the court with four standouts ahead of him in the offensive pecking order. However, he can be helpful to fantasy managers needing three-pointers, rebounds and the occasional defensive stats. Strus and the Cavaliers host the Pacers in their regular-season finale on Sunday, and the outcome will not impact either team’s playoff seeding.

Strus missed Thursday’s game with a knee injury but will return to the mix. He should slot back into the rotation as a starter. Especially given all the injuries Cleveland is dealing with.

Strus joins Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley as starters who will not be available for Thursday’s game. Cleveland has already wrapped up the top seed in the East, hence the absences. Isaac Okoro should see additional playing time on Thursday, likely as a starter, while rotation minutes should be available to rookie Jaylon Tyson.