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Cavaliers’ Dean Wade (sprained left shoulder) to return vs. Bucks

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James Foglio
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James Foglio Sports Editor

James is a Basketball Insiders contributor. He earned his bachelor's degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. James enjoys watching sports and helping gamblers win money.

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Sports Editor

Updated23 Jan 2023

Cavaliers Dean Wade (sprained left shoulder) to return vs Bucks

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (sprained left shoulder) plans to make his return for Saturday night’s home game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Wade suffered an AC joint sprain in Cleveland’s 107-96 win over the Orlando Magic on Dec. 2. The fourth-year wing was expected to miss at least 3-4 weeks.

Wade, 26, started in nine of his 17 games with the Cavaliers this season. Prior to his injury, the Kansas State product was averaging career highs of 6.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 24.1 minutes per game. He was also shooting 45.2% from the floor and 41.1% outside the arc.

Per multiple NBA betting sites, the Cavaliers have ninth-shortest odds to win the championship. A few sportsbooks are now giving the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets better odds.

On Oct. 30, in Cleveland’s 121-108 win versus the New York Knicks, the forward logged a career-high 22 points in 34 minutes of action. He finished 8-of-11 (72.7%) shooting from the field and 6-of-8 (75%) from 3-point range.

In September, Wade signed a three-year, $18.5 million contract extension with the Cavaliers. Last June, he exercised his $1.93 million player option for this season, the final year of his current deal.

Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (sprained left shoulder) is expected to return against Bucks on Saturday

Wade’s existing contract signed in 2020 includes a trade restriction. In the event G.M. Mike Gansey decided to trade the 6-foot-9 wing, he would have to wait until March 27.

Other players listed on Cleveland’s injury report include Ricky Rubio (left ACL injury management), Donovan Mitchell (strained left groin), and Dylan Windler (right ankle). Rubio is probable, Mitchell is questionable, and Windler remains out indefinitely.

Meanwhile, for the Bucks’ injury report, Khris Middleton (sprained left knee) remains out for Saturday’s Eastern Conference matchup. Giannis Antetokounmpo (left knee soreness) could play against the Cavaliers. The soon to be seven-time All-Star is listed as questionable. And Serge Ibaka (personal) remains out indefinitely.

Milwaukee is 6-4 in its last 10 contests, whereas the Cavaliers have gone 5-5 over the same stretch of games. Cleveland is coming off back-to-back losses. However, the Bucks are aiming to earn a third straight win. Sportsbooks show the Cavs as 1.5-point favorites at home.