CLEVELAND -- Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving will miss his second straight game due to knee tendinitis after being scratched for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against the top-seeded Atlanta Hawks. The team described Irving's absence as a doctor's decision.
Cleveland already leads the series 2-0 after taking two road games in Atlanta.
Irving visited orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews last week for further examination on his left knee, but after participating in extended warmups on Sunday evening at Quicken Loans Arena he was held out after tweaking the injury during the third quarter of Game 1 against Atlanta.
Irving is averaging 18.9 points and 3.5 assists in the playoffs.
Backup guard Matthew Dellavedova is expected to get his second straight start.
Irving's absence only adds to the growing list of injuries in the East finals, as teammate Kevin Love (shoulder surgery) and Hawks sharpshooter Kyle Korver (severe ankle sprain) have already been declared out of the remainder of the postseason. Additionally, Atlanta starters DeMarre Carroll and Al Horford have been forced out of games with injuries during this series.
The good news for Cleveland: LeBron James holds a perfect 14-0 playoff series record when leading 2-0.
