With J.R. Smith not ready to return from injury, the Cleveland Cavaliers look to the constant motion and lunging shots of Kyle Korver for offense.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio - In basketball, your shot defines you.

Golden State's Splash Brothers wrote their names in the record book, not on water. The nickname of the injured Cavalier sharp-shooter, J.R. Smith, "Swish," is his game.

Then there is the curious case of Kyle Korver, the Cavs' new sniper on the run, who sometimes leans, slopes and bends, like a blueprint of an Italian tower gone wrong.

"On a standstill shot, it's more up and down, but a little forward on those shots too," said Korver, who might incline to shoot, but often declines to miss.

The Cavs have had their share of shooters who served by standing and waiting for LeBron James to find them. Years ago, current assistant coach Damon Jones established squatting rights to the last floorboard in either corner.

But Korver, like the Sundance Kid, is better when he moves.

Momentum

"A lot of those shots for me is trying to get my weight going forward. It's not that I'm not really trying to lean or fall forward," Korver said. "I am conscious of getting my weight going towards the basket. Sometimes I'm going full speed sideways. I don't have the greatest balance in the world, I've got these long legs and not so good (athletically). I have to focus on getting my legs and my body going back toward the basket."

Almost all great shooters bring their legs forward slightly when they shoot, except in the case of fadeaway shots. Those with a definite body lean on the release would include J.J. Redick, at times the great Jerry West, and Vinnie "The Human Microwave" Johnson.

The Zone

The goal of all shooters is to find the "open sesame" of body angle, touch and trajectory which, replicated often enough, lets them enter the magical, mystical "zone."

Some number crunchers say the zone, the hot hand, whatever it is called, ranks with unicorns and leprechauns. Players say there's something to it. When Korver made eight of nine 3-pointers against Indiana recently, he was certainly in a torrid zone.

"I don't think it happens as often as everyone thinks," Korver said. "Different people might (make) two shots in a row and they think they're in the zone. So what is the zone? Do you have to hit 10 shots? or is it just a feeling that you have?"

Korver said he's only felt a few times that he was in "the mythical zone, where the basket is three times the size of what it really is. The math says it's not real."

Like a pitcher heartened by getting outs when he doesn't have his good stuff, Korver said, " I always like to make shots when I'm not feeling good. From a technical standpoint, it means I'm shooting the ball correctly."

Rhythm

With the mechanics in synch, he said, " You get in a rhythm, and it's like, 'Let's go.'"

Rhythm is more complicated, however, than realizing a Gershwin song has a good beat.

"We all talk about rhythm. 'I have to find my rhythm,'" said Korver. "Not many of us get to shoot 10 shots a quarter to find our rhythm. I shoot two shots this quarter, one the next, maybe none the third, maybe a couple at the end of the fourth. That's the way my career has always been."

Peaking

Right now, with players in and out of the lineup with injuries and with a new addition such as Derrick Williams trying to fit in, the Cavs have neither found the rhythm nor the optimum in their game.

"It's more the other guys having to adjust to me, rather than the other way around," said Korver, meaning to his nearly constant motion. "The core of this team won a championship last year, and the rest are fitting in. I actually think it's good. I've been on teams that peaked in February."

The Cleveland Browns and Terrelle Pryor are expected to get serious about a contract that would bring him back next season. The Browns need to make it happen.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Terrelle Pryor falls into the same category as Jamie Collins.

The Browns will probably have to overpay to keep him, too, but they're better with him than without him a season after letting some of their own good talent walk away.

How'd that work out?

"I have no problem with, just because we were 1-15 or whatever this year, coming back,'' Pyror told cleveland.com. "I don't mind starting fresh next year and continuing to grow, because I think it's more exciting when you're on the bottom.

"I'm always citing starting from the bottom and getting to the top, and I think it's a greater feeling and it would be great to give Cleveland what they're looking for.''

The Browns have plentiful salary cap room. Chances seem reasonably good there will be more change at quarterback in 2017. Either way, surrounding their QB of choice with playmakers is essential. (Go figure.)

As for the state of the Browns coming off a 1-15 season, at least being at rock bottom is exciting for somebody.

* Given the contentious relationship between Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook on display during Durant's return to Oklahoma City Saturday night, we can't wait for them to play again.

That wasn't just another game. Unless we're talking Game of Thrones.

* Thunder fans wore cupcake shirts and brandished cupcake signs. The insult is Durant was too soft to stay and try to win in Oklahoma City so he joined the Warriors.

You wonder why Thunder fans couldn't take the high road, you know, just like Cavs fans did when LeBron came back with the Heat the first time.

That night made Charles Oakley and Knicks owner James Dolan look like soul mates.

* Durant's mother, Wanda, attended the game in Oklahoma City and called treatment of her son "vicious."

Not that she didn't understand the passion. She didn't dismiss the hard feelings that followed her son's departure.

"But then, the bold thing is they're standing in my face.," she told USA Today. "They're bold enough to call him a snake and a coward. One guy even called him -- I can't even say it - the p-word. In my face."

For the sake of clarity, she did not mean "pastry."

*  Oakley and  Dolan moved toward a truce in a meeting with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver less than a week after security dragged Oakley out of Madison Square Garden following an argument.

Michael Jordan, a friend of Oakley's, participated via conference call.

Because... well, when has Jordan held a grudge?

Except for that time he called out all the people who ever doubted him during his Hall of Fame induction speech.

* After Dolan banned Oakley from Madison Square Garden, two games later Latrell Sprewell joined the Knicks owner courtside.

Sprewell is a popular figure with fans. So, his first visit to the Garden as one of them who just happened to be sitting next to the reviled owner, was totally coincidence.

* Some were reminded of that night in 2003 when Sprewell screamed obscenities at Dolan in the Garden after the Knicks traded him to Minnesota.

Good times.

* Also in attendance at the Garden for Sprewell's recent visit: P.J. Carlesimo, whom Sprewell choked  when they were both with the Golden State Warriors; Spike Lee, sitting courtside in a "Oakley" jersey.

If the idea was to make the Carmelo Anthony-Phil Jackson relationship seem nurturing, job well done.

 * The San Antonio Spurs clinched their 20^th consecutive winning season on the same night the University of Connecticut women's basketball team won its 100^th consecutive game.

Not sure which example of consistency is harder to believe.

Or if it's a tie for second, with the Browns record since 1999 still leading the way.

* The New England Patriots have the football from the game-winning touchdown on display in the team Hall of Fame.

It was reported that the organization did not know the whereabouts of the ball. Running back James White said he left it on the field after scoring the TD that gave New England a 34-28 overtime win.

So in summary: football located; Tom Brady's jersey still missing; Owner Bob Kraft's old Super Bowl ring presumably in the possession of Vladmir Putin.

No wonder Tom Brady destroyed his cell phone when the NFL was investigating Deflategate.

Just wanted to keep it from getting stolen is all.

* Bovada released its latest World Series odds: for the first time the Cubs have a co-favorite: the Boston Red Sox at 9-2.

The Indians are close behind at 8-1. The nearest division rival? The Tigers and Royals at 33-1.

Still, Indians fans want SI to know it's fine to put somebody else on its cover.

* The NBA's policy on teams participating in kinder, gentler social media relationships has spurred some activity between organizations, even cross-sport organizations.

The Sacramento Kings, for instance, felt the need to mention the Indians' losing a 3-1 lead and got this response.

.@SacramentoKings It's been 14 years since you had a lead in a playoff series. pic.twitter.com/regURNC7gd

-- Cleveland Indians (@Indians) February 13, 2017

Sorry @NBA

-- Cleveland Indians (@Indians) February 13, 2017

If only Edwin Encarnacion brings it half as consistently as Indians Twitter.

* Another installment of Thank Goodness It's Amateur Sports Or It Might Be Confused With the Pros: Michigan has submitted a proposal for a new weight room inside Oosterbaan Field House.

The proposed cost: $21 million.

But that includes a new roof.

* Yahoo's Cheat Sheet blog gave us 10 Reasons Why Kevin Durant Will Never Win a Championship.

That followed 10 Reasons why LeBron James Will Never Win Another Championship.

If there's 10 for players as good as James and Durant, how many reasons by the time they get down to Dwight Howard?

* Terrell Owens failing to make it past the first cut in Hall of Fame voting is crazy.

The narrative that he wasn't a good teammate sabotaged his chances.

Apparently he was so bad the San Francisco 49ers only gave him eight years to change his ways or else.

* Jordan Spieth won his ninth PGA Tour event in his 100^th career start at Pebble Beach last weekend.

A reminder of just how good Tiger Woods was: Tiger won in his 100^th career try, too.

For the 28^th time.

The Indians begin spring training workouts Tuesday in Goodyear, Ariz. After winning the AL pennant last season, they go to camp with one of their most talented rosters in many years. Beat writer Paul Hoynes rates that 40-man roster with a new season at hand.

The Indians, looking for some more balance to their pitching staff, have signed lefty Chris Narveson to a minor league deal with an invitation to big-league camp. Pitchers and catchers opened practice on Tuesday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Indians, whose pitching staff has tilted to the right for several years, have added another left-hander to the mix.

Lefty Chris Narveson, 35, has agreed to a minor league deal with an invitation to big league camp. Earlier this month, they signed lefty Boone Logan to a one-year $5.5 million deal to go along with super lefty Andrew Miller, acquired at the Aug. 1 trade deadline last year from the Yankees.

Narveson has pitched his entire big league career in the National League. He broke in with St. Louis is 2006 and has pitched with Milwaukee and Miami. Last year with the Marlins, he went 1-0 with a 8.64 ERA in six appearances. He spent most of the year at Class AAA New Orleans, going 4-6 with a 3.41 ERA in 20 games, including 15 starts.

He limited lefties at New Orleans to a .218 (26-for-119) batting average.

Narveson is 30-19 with a 4.71 ERA in the big leagues. He's appeared in 118 games, including 65 starts. His best two years were with the Brewers in 2010 and 2011. He was a combined 23-17 with a 4.67 ERA in 67 appearances, including 56 starts.

In 2014, Narveson pitched in Japan. He went 4-11 with a 4.53 ERA in 24 starts for the Yakult Swallows.

If Narveson doesn't make the big league club, he could provide depth as a swingman if he agrees to go to Class AAA Columbus.

Narveson passed his physical at the Tribe's spring-training complex in Goodyear, Ariz., on Monday. He'll participate in the first workout of the spring Tuesday for pitchers and catchers.

The Indians have hired the former All-Star center fielder as an advisor to the player development department.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Grady Sizemore is back at Indians camp.

He's no longer on the injury recovery trail, though. The Indians have hired the former All-Star center fielder as an advisor to the player development department. 

Sizemore, who played for Cleveland from 2004-11, will assist the Tribe's big-league coaching staff for a few weeks before switching over to minor-league camp in March. During the regular season, Sizemore will serve as a special assistant, with both on-field and off-the-field responsibilities.

A three-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove Award winner, Sizemore totaled 139 home runs, 216 doubles and 134 stolen bases during his eight-year tenure with the Indians. He had all three All-Star nods on his resume before his 26th birthday, but injuries derailed his career. 

Sizemore, 34, latched on with Boston, Philadelphia and Tampa Bay in the latter stages of his career, but he could never find the success that had previously made him one of the league's top center fielders. 

Each season from 2005-08, Sizemore played in at least 157 games. Over the next five years, he played in a total of 210 games. At various points, Sizemore underwent elbow surgery, knee surgery, back surgery and surgery to repair a hernia.

In that sterling four-year span, Sizemore posted a .281/.372/.496 slash line, with an average of 27 home runs, 81 RBI, 116 runs, 41 doubles and 29 stolen bases per season. 

The Indians originally acquired Sizemore, Brandon Phillips, Cliff Lee and Lee Stevens from the Montreal Expos in 2002 in exchange for Bartolo Colon and Tim Drew.

We've made our argument for and against Duke Johnson. Let us know what you think.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Before the Browns can build the foundation of a winning franchise, they must identify which players will be part of that foundation. Who are the building blocks?

Cleveland.com is trying to figure that out, and we'd like your help. This series will take a look at veterans and rookies alike to see if they will be Cleveland Browns building blocks. Your feedback will help us determine who is in and who is out.

TODAY: Duke Johnson

Pro

Johnson is the first Browns running back to have more than 500 receiving yards in each of his first two NFL seasons. As a change-of-pace or third-down running back, what more could you ask?

How about this? Johnson's 53 catches last season were sixth most among running backs. This is a season after he was second among all rookies in receptions (61).

It's clear that Johnson is able to do things that other running backs on the roster can't do. Just look at this play from Week 16 against the Chargers.

via GIPHY

As the second running back option to Isaiah Crowell, Johnson had 73 carries for 358 yards and a touchdown last season. That includes a 4.9-yard average. Johnson was ranked 43^rd among running backs by Pro Football Focus, but 11^th as a receiving back.

You could argue that Johnson needs more touches. He had more than five carries only four times last season. He had at least 10 touches five times. One of those was a 10-carry, 69-yard game against the Dolphins.

If Hue Jackson can get Johnson more involved in the offense, good things are bound to happen.

Con

It's unclear what kind of role Johnson is supposed to play in Hue Jackson's offense. While his receptions hovered around three per game, his carries fluctuated from week-to-week.

For an exciting running back at his best in the open field, he doesn't score many touchdowns. Johnson has reached the end zone just three times over the last two seasons. That brings us to the red zone. Johnson has been non-existent there. He had just seven red-zone carries and four catches last season.

Yes, Johnson also returns punts, but his 6.6-yard average on 17 returns would put him near the bottom among NFL returners.

And fake punts? Don't ask.

via GIPHY

So is Johnson a building block? Players need to receive 67 percent of the yes vote to be labeled as a building block. Only four players have reached that mark so far. 

Vote now. The results will be unveiled on Friday, when we'll find if Johnson becomes block No. 5.

Accepted Browns Building Blocks

* Terrelle Pryor

* Jamie Collins

* Danny Shelton

* Christian Kirksey

Rejected Browns Building Blocks

* Cameron Erving

* Joe Haden

* Isaiah Crowell

* Cody Kessler

* John Greco

* Corey Coleman

Kevin Love will miss the next six weeks after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery Tuesday in New York.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Kevin Love is going to miss six weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, the Cavs announced Tuesday.

Dr. David Altchek in New York performed the surgery on Love Tuesday morning, removing a "loose body" from Love's left knee.

Altchek surgically repaired Love's shoulder during the 2015 playoffs. The Cavs declined to say Monday where Love was headed for his second opinion -- this is why. They knew surgery was likely.

Love is averaging 20 points and 11.1 rebounds. He's obviously going to miss the All-Star Game Sunday, and isn't slated to return until there are about three weeks left in the regular season. This was Love's fourth All-Star selection; he was supposed to be an Eastern Conference reserve in New Orleans.

"Sucks," LeBron James said. "It's just our road every season. One of our key guys get hurt and this year has probably been the worst out of all years -- having our starting 2-guard out for so long and now having our All-Star power forward out for an extended period of time. It's just next man up and we just hope for a healthy and speedy recovery for our All-Star."

This means the Cavs will play a significant portion of their 2016 title defense season without two starters. J.R. Smith hasn't played since Dec. 20 because of a fractured right thumb. He's due back some time in mid to late March.

The playoffs start April 15. Both Love and Smith should be back and playing before then. Meanwhile, the trade deadline is approaching next week and, injuries or not, general manager David Griffin has some roster building to do.

A team source said Love's injury does not affect the Cavs' trade plans, as Love "wasn't going anywhere anyway." But the team has an open roster spot because of the trade Monday of Chris Andersen, and Griffin must decide if he needs to add a starting-caliber big because of Love's absence. 

As of now, the Cavs have just two big men on the roster in center Tristan Thompson and reserve forward/center Channing Frye, who is supposed to start tonight in Love's place.

In Minneapolis on Tuesday, coach Tyronn Lue said veteran James Jones would see more playing time as well. Derrick Williams, signed to a 10-day contract but likely to be with the Cavs for the rest of the season, can also play power forward in smaller lineups.

"We just got to do it by committee and I know we'll be able to figure it out, so, I'm confident about that," Lue said.

Griffin probably doesn't need to react with a move this week. Cleveland plays tonight and again Wednesday against the Pacers, and then not again until Feb. 23 (trade deadline day) because of the All-Star break.

At 37-16, the Cavs hold a two-game lead over Boston in the East.

Cleveland.com's Chris Fedor contributed to this report from Minneapolis.

Here's where to watch, listen and stream the Cleveland Cavaliers' game vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers play Game 54 of the 2016 NBA season Tuesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Here's how to watch, listen and stream the action online.

What: Cleveland Cavaliers (37-16) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (21-34).
Where: Target Center.
When: 8 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Ohio; NBA TV.
Radio: WTAM 1100 AM; 87.7 FM La Mega.
Online: Fox Sports Go.

Minnesota notable: The Cavs have beaten Minnesota five straight times (by an average of 19.6 ppg) after the Wolves went 5-2 in the previous seven meetings.

Cleveland notable: Kyle Korver (1996 3FGM), who is shooting .500 (44-88) from deep with the Cavs (12-14 3FG in last three games), is 4 three-pointers away from becoming the 7th player in NBA history to hit 2,000 triples.

Catch the coverage from before the game; join in the live chat starting at tipoff; and stick around for full postgame coverage. For all Cavs information, be sure to check out cleveland.com/cavs.

Cleveland Indians fans want to know about Michael Brantley's health, But there are other questions, starting with Danny Salazar's arm. Watch video

Cleveland, Ohio -- What about Michael Brantley?

That's the big question hanging over the Tribe as they open spring training this week.

But what can we say about the outfielder, who had problems coming back from major shoulder surgery last year?

The truth is questions marks will probably hang over Brantley all spring.

But are there other big questions?

You bet there are other issues besides Brantley's health.

I talk about this with Ginger Christ, a Plain Dealer reporter and sports fan.

Mayweather tells ESPN a deal is "very, very close."

CLEVELAND, Ohio - There was a time, not too long ago, that a fight between undefeated boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. and MMA superstar Conor McGregor seemed ridiculous.

Maybe it still does, but it appears closer to happening than ever, according to Mayweather. The pound-for-pound titan told ESPN's Stephen A. Smith that the a fight versus McGregor is "very, very close."

Smith reiterated that Mayweather believes the fight is actually going to happen but nothing is guaranteed until his name is on a contract.

On Tuesday afternoon, reports surfaced suggesting the two fighters have agreed to terms and the only hold up is a "third party," which may or may not be the UFC.

Previously, the main dispute was money. UFC president Dana White offered both fighters $25 million to get things going. Mayweather all but laughed at the offer.

Mayweather is used to making north of the $100 million mark for marquee fights, while McGregor is still somewhat new to the fighting game. Still, MMA's biggest star is the first UFC fighter to hold two titles at once and the promotion's biggest draw.

If the two have indeed signed a contract, expect a fight that could be the most watched and lucrative in history.

After a month with "The Fitness Doctor" Frederick Peters, I didn't quite gain all the weight I wanted, but on every other measure, I made anywhere from slight to dramatic improvement. Watch video

SEVEN HILLS, Ohio - Best thing about my job: I get paid to work out.

Worst thing about my job: I can't pursue every activity I find I enjoy.

Take right now, for instance.

In a perfect world, I wouldn't be saying goodbye to "The Fitness Doctor" Frederick Peters, the personal trainer I've been seeing the last five weeks. I'd be entering his practice permanently.

But no, I have to move on. Much as I'd love to continue having him break me down and rebuild me twice a week, it's time to end the personal trainer project and give something else a shot.

At least I can call the "experiment" a success and vouch for the value of a good personal trainer. I didn't quite gain all the weight Peters wanted, but on every other measure, I made anywhere from slight to dramatic improvement.

Over the course of my five weeks with Peters (thefitnessdoctors.com), I gained only half a pound. (We'd been shooting for five.) The silver lining? It's lean muscle. I didn't gain much weight but my body-fat percentage dropped by eight-tenths of a point.

I also would have liked to have gained more upper-body strength. As it was, I improved by only 4 percent. Need to keep hitting those push-ups, I guess.

The rest was almost too good to be true. In the areas of cardiovascular recovery and core and lower-body strength, I made double-digit gains. Almost like I had none to start with.

Holding a wall-sit, a test of lower-body strength, I lasted 62 percent longer at the end of my month with Peters than I did at the beginning. Similarly, I belted out 13 more rapid-fire sit-ups in a minute last week than I did originally.

The second-largest but most surprising leap came in the area of cardiovascular recovery. On a test measuring how far my heart-rate fell after a minute of vigorous exercise, I improved by a whopping 46 percent. Great news for a guy currently training for a marathon.

It's also a bit surprising. Aside from warming up on a bike, elliptical machine, or treadmill, I spent no time with Peters engaged in strictly cardiovascular exercise. That leap must have stemmed either from my own work outside the gym or my newfound leg and core strength.

My "experiment" with Peters may be over, but the process he launched is just beginning. As a parting gift, Peters gave me a list of recommended exercises as well as a diagram outlining his weight-lifting methodology. Enough, in short, to keep me busy a good, long while.

Think of his method as a pyramid. For every movement, I'm to start with 10 to 15 repetitions of a modest weight, progress to six to 10 repetitions of a medium weight, and peak with four to six repetitions of a weight that's truly heavy. Ideally, I'd then proceed in reverse, back down to the beginning.

I've also got my eating orders. Going forward, I'm to try and consume about 3,000 clean calories every day. Included in that total: 80 to 100 grams of protein, roughly one gram per kilogram of body weight. In the Peters diet, apparently, the chicken and the egg both come first.

What does all this mean for you? That depends.

If you're content with your current fitness, or making great strides on your own, keep at it. Don't change a thing. If you're struggling or plateauing, however, outside help might be just what the doctor ordered.

What I can say now, from firsthand experience, is that outside help works. If you've got the time and means to hire a personal trainer, you will not regret it.

Kevin Love's knee injury raises questions about whether or not the Cavaliers can win the Eastern Conference.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- News of Kevin Love's knee surgery has raised questions about the Cleveland Cavaliers' grasp on the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

With Love and J.R. Smith both expected to be out until some time around April, it's not out of the question to imagine Cleveland dropping out of the top position in the East before the postseason rolls around.

Boston and Washington are both 9-1 in their last 10 games, and Cleveland plays 11 of its next 12 games against Eastern Conference opponents.

Which team do you think will win the Eastern Conference in 2017? Check out the contenders below and then vote in our poll. Defend your answer in the comments section.

Cleveland Cavaliers (37-16)
The Cavaliers are 7-3 in their last 10 games, and an Eastern Conference best 23-5 at home. Despite losing J.R. Smith for the last two months and now Kevin Love, they hold a two-game advantage over Boston with 29 games left.

Boston Celtics (36-19)
The Celtics are two games behind the Cavaliers and have won three straight. Coach Brad Stevens' team is 9-1 in its last 10 games and features one of the NBA's premier fourth-quarter scorers in Isaiah Thomas.

Washington Wizards (33-21)
The Wizards have won three straight since dropping an overtime thriller to the Cavs last week. They are 9-1 in their last 10 games and 4.5 games out of the top spot in the East.

Atlanta Hawks (32-23)
The Hawks have struggled of late, going 6-4 in their last 10 games. They stand in the No. 4 spot in the East, six games behind the Cavaliers.

Toronto Raptors (32-23)
The Raptors are bringing in Serge Ibaka via trade in an effort to jumpstart their postseason hopes. They've lost two straight and are 4-6 in their last 10 games, standing No. 5 in the East, six games behind Cleveland.

Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James was already playing too many minutes when Kevin Love was healthy. Now, the Cavs must still rest him despite the team needing him more.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It's all about the playoffs.

Tyronn Lue has to remember that, now more than ever with Kevin Love being out for six weeks with arthroscopic knee surgery.

The Cavaliers coach has to try to win games in the regular season without being obsessed with his final record.

J.R. Smith (thumb surgery) has been out most of the season. I heard the reports about Smith coming back in mid-March, but I have doubts.

A few weeks ago, I wrote that Smith would be back in April. The Cavs want to be careful and make sure he is ready for the playoffs, and not risk bringing him back a few weeks too early.

So Iman Shumpert (sprained ankle) is out. Smith is out. Now Love is out for quite a while.

The Cavs should spend the rest of the regular season just trying to have as many players as possible physically ready for the playoffs.

Don't worry about having the best record in the Eastern Conference.

 Don't worry much about the regular season, other than working Kyle Korver and Derrick Williams into the flow. He can use the games to find out if Kay Felder, DeAndre Liggins or Jordan McRae can help pit.

Williams is now more important than ever, a great pickup by General Manager David Griffin on a 10-day contract. He should be around for the rest of the season.

WHAT ABOUT LEBRON?

It has bothered me all season how LeBron James is averaging 37.6 minutes a game, the most in the NBA.

What is the point of James playing so much?

He also has played in 50-of-53 games heading into Tuesday night in Minnesota.

In the previous two seasons with the Cavs, James averaged 35.6 minutes (2015-16) and 36.1 minutes (2014-15).

In his last season with Miami (2013-14), he was playing 37.7 minutes.

Last month, Lue said the plan with the trainers was to play James 36-to-38 minutes, then cut back to 32-34 minutes in February.

Well, James is averaging 38 minutes a game this month, so that's not working.

And the temptation will be to play James even more with Love out . . . along with the other injuries.

Entering this season, James has played the sixth most minutes in NBA history (counting playoffs). He is in his 14th season.

He is in great shape, and the Cavs must keep him that way if they want any chance to repeat as champions.

The Cavs have a 37-16 record, the best in the Eastern Conference. A .500 record for the rest of the season means a 51-31 final record. That puts them in good shape for the playoffs.

FILLING IN

This is a challenge for Lue.

His main power forwards will be Channing Frye and Williams.

He can play a small lineup with James at power forward, and Richard Jefferson at small forward. But the idea is not to wear down James.

The Cavs are optimistic Love will be in good shape for the playoffs. The same with Smith.

Hopefully, Shumpert's injury isn't serious.

But it won't be easy for Lue to manage minutes. He will have to not only rest James in some games, but also Kyrie Irving. The last thing the Cavs need is their star guard getting injured.

Irving is averaging 35.2 minutes, 15th in the NBA.

Love is averaging 20 points and 11 rebounds this season. He made the All-Star team. This is a major loss.

But making the wrong moves in the regular season could make the problem even worse come playoff time. Lue needs to remember that.

Cleveland.com sports columnists Doug Lesmerises and Bud Shaw talk about the price of acquiring Jimmy Garoppolo if the Patriots make their backup QB available in a trade. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Jimmy Garoppolo is an intriguing possibility for the Browns.

But let's face it. The conversation about whether the Browns should acquire Garoppolo in a trade with the New England Patriots is too ambiguous to be worthwhile unless we know the cost in draft picks.

It's not enough to argue that Garoppolo represents an needed upgrade despite such limited playing time behind Tom Brady. We must be able to put a price on what he'd be worth in a trade.

The No. 1 overall pick? Surely not.

The No. 12 pick? That still seems high for some people (me included) while others believe that if you can solve your QB issues for five-to-eight years no price is too high.

Former Browns quarterback Josh McCown recently told cleveland.com he believes Garoppolo has the potential to carry a team.

So what would you give up, presuming Bill Belichick makes Garoppolo -- who is under contract for one more season -- available in a trade?

We addressed that topic in our latest installment of the video debate series Prepare for List Off.

In this episode, Cleveland.com columnist Doug Lesmerises thinks he has me trapped with my own words. (I wouldn't admit if he had.) Hear us out about what the Browns should be willing to give the Patriots in exchange for Garoppolo (if Belichick, in fact, wants to part with him), and then come back and tell us who got it right.

In the meantime, the Cavs locking up the No. 1 seed, once looked at as a mere formality, becomes a compelling storyline in the final few months. Watch video

MINNEAPOLIS -- While the Cleveland Cavaliers' road has gotten tougher, losing power forward Kevin Love for six weeks after arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Tuesday morning, LeBron James rebuffed the notion that this injury will send the champs spiraling off course.

"As long as I'm in the lineup, we've got a chance," James said Tuesday morning. "We good. Kev is out for an extended period of time. J.R. (Smith) has been out, but I'm in the lineup. I'll be suiting up. We've got a chance against anybody. I ain't worried."

According to head coach Tyronn Lue, Love's left knee has been bothering him for a few games and started swelling up, causing him to undergo an MRI that led to Tuesday's surgery.

Dr. David Altchek in New York -- the same doctor who operated on Love's shoulder during the 2015 postseason - performed the surgery Tuesday morning, removing a "loose body" from Love's left knee.

"Sucks," James said. "It's just our road every season. One of our key guys get hurt and this year has probably been the worst out of all years -- having our starting 2-guard out for so long and now having our All-Star power forward out for an extended period of time. It's just next man up and we just hope for a healthy and speedy recovery for our All-Star."

In the meantime, the Cavs locking up the Eastern Conference's No. 1 seed, once looked at as a mere formality, becomes a compelling storyline.

The Cavs enter the night with a two-game lead over the Boston Celtics for the top spot. The Raptors, free-falling for the last month, just struck a deal for Serge Ibaka, trying to rebound in time for the postseason. The Washington Wizards have been surging recently, climbing into the third seed.

"We haven't talked about it," James said. "We just play. Number one in the East or whatever, we don't talk about it. We just go out and play and let the chips lay where they may."

The news of Love's surgery came so quick that James hasn't even had a chance to talk to him. He doesn't know if any teammates have reached out. James wants to give Love a few days, as Lue admitted Love is "a little down" after his latest setback that will keep him from making his first All-Star appearance with the Cavaliers.

"Having that All-Star year and this is where he wanted to get back to after coming from Minnesota a couple years ago," James said. "He was an All-Star and he obviously had to fit himself into a different role, we all did. He finally got back to the point where he felt like, 'listen, I validate myself in this league once again and then to have an injury like this,' so he's going to miss Sunday, which sucks."

If the initial thinking on Love is accurate, he will be returning with about three weeks left in the regular season, enough time to gear up for another postseason run. That seems to be the thinking on Smith as well. Cleveland's starting shooting guard hasn't played since Dec. 20 because of a fractured right thumb. He's due back some time in mid to late March.

"We don't want to rush those guys back," Lue said. "Health is the most important thing, we know that and with two of our starters being out, we got to step up and play better. And I know we will."

Channing Frye will start in Love's spot Tuesday night, with Lue wanting some size against the Minnesota Timberwolves. That might be the same plan Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers.

After that, it will likely become a committee approach.

"Everyone has to step up and fill that void," Lue said. "LeBron, D-Will (Derrick Williams), Champ (James Jones), Channing. Everyone has to step up and be ready to play.

"It's a next man up mentality for our team. No excuses. We know losing a great player like Kevin is tough but we got to man up."

Does that mean James has to step up even more? 

"I've never stepped down," he said. "Why does it change now? Ain't nothing changed. I have my guys ready to play every single night."

Progressive Field has hosted plenty of memorable October moments, but that one, singular, transcendent happening remains elusive. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The debate exists only because no entry on the list has contributed to a championship.

Rajai Davis' Game 7 home run came close, but the Indians fell short in extra innings in November. Progressive Field has hosted plenty of memorable October moments, but that one, singular, transcendent happening remains elusive.

Therefore, compiling this list was no simple task. Last week, we asked readers to submit their own ballots for their top 10 moments in the history of Progressive Field, which opened in April 1994. The readers' results can be found here.

Here's my own attempt at the assignment.

10. Tyler Naquin's game-winning inside-the-park home run

There are instances during a 162-game gauntlet in which your focus strays from the target. Your attention veers to the NBA playoffs or to football or to politics or to the weather. The second that happens, you must remind yourself that, on any given night, you might witness history.

On Aug. 19, 2016, Naquin achieved a feat that hadn't been matched in 100 years. The only other player to end a game in Cleveland on an inside-the-park homer? Braggo Roth, of course. He turned the trick on Aug. 13, 1916.

It's one thing to watch a walk-off homer sail over the fence and the player jog around the bases as his teammates prepare to pounce at home plate. But to watch the winning run sprint around the bases? That's an unforgettable scene, and Naquin's head-first plunge into the plate and immediate pop-up into a rock-star pose is etched into every viewer's memory.

Bedlam in Believeland: A retelling of Naquin's historic homer

9. Bill Selby, exit stage right

Tom Hamilton's voice reached a crescendo. Unfortunately for the Indians, Selby had whacked Mariano Rivera's pitch foul. Hamilton and Selby both got redemption, though. Later in his at-bat, the diminutive utility man socked a walk-off grand slam against the Yankees closer, as the Indians completed a 10-7 triumph after trailing 7-0 on July 14, 2002. Selby had tallied only five home runs in his career before he tagged Rivera, who then went eight years before surrendering another grand slam. The outing marked the only time Rivera ever yielded six runs as a reliever. Selby, the most unlikely Tribe hero in a year of transition, served as the central protagonist.

8. The Bug Game in 2007

Joba Chamberlain helped to make midges a chic pest in Cleveland. The Indians attained a 2-0 advantage in the 2007 ALDS, thanks in part to the Yankees reliever's disdain for the pesky bugs. The artist formerly known as Fausto Carmona had no such issues maintaining his composure and the Indians prevailed in extra innings in one of the wackier playoff games in ballpark history.

7. Jason Giambi's walk-off homer in September 2013

Chris Perez had just blown a save and the Indians' chances at a wild-card berth seemed destined to take a hit. That made the last-gasp home run against the White Sox even more momentous. The fact that a 42-year-old part-time player was responsible made it even more memorable.

6. Marquis Grissom steals home to win Game 3 of the 1997 ALCS

This was the looniest postseason series in which the Indians have ever competed. There were balls lost in the sun, the shadows, behind UFOs. There were dominant pitching performances and momentum-altering home runs. Tony Fernandez, known for his defense, provided the final difference with an extra-inning homer to break a scoreless tie in Game 6.

The series shifted, however, in Game 3, when Grissom jogged home from third after Omar Vizquel missed a squeeze bunt. It was the strangest finish to a game I can remember.

5. Sandy Alomar, the hometown hero

We'll hear plenty about Alomar's 1997 All-Star Game home run in two years, when the Indians again host the Midsummer Classic. Alomar had his best season in 1997, one that ended with a heartbreaking Game 7 loss in Miami. Still, the catcher won the All-Star Game MVP award. He produced his best statistical line, with a .324 average, a .900 OPS, 21 home runs and 37 doubles, and he rescued the Indians from defeat in the ALDS with a game-tying homer off of Rivera.

4. The comeback for the ages

Jim Thome still occasionally watches some old Indians highlights on YouTube, including the club's historic rally from a 12-run deficit against Seattle on Aug. 5, 2001. That Mariners team tied a record with 116 wins. The Indians' unfathomable comeback prevented them from establishing a new standard.

Cleveland scored three in the seventh, four in the eighth and five in the ninth to send the game into extra innings. Eddie Taubensee lifted Kenny Lofton over his shoulder after the center fielder scored the game-winning run.

An oral history of the Indians' comeback for the ages

3. Tony Pena's late-night walk-off

My favorite part about Pena's 2 a.m. long ball is that Bob Costas and Bob Uecker were prattling on about another topic when the veteran catcher delivered the walk-off homer. The game was filled with twists, rain delays and Albert Belle's biceps, but Pena of all people ended it on a 3-0 pitch and handed the Indians their first postseason victory in nearly a half-century.

2. The clinch

It could have happened on any night; it's not as though the Indians were sweating out the end of the 1995 regular season. But when the baseball nestled into Thome's glove, it signified that a new era had actually commenced. Those laughable losers had actually transformed into a playoff team. The moment was made even more special with a touching tribute to the late Steve Olin and Tim Crews.

1. Rajai Davis' home run

This is as close to an iconic championship moment as one can get. I had headphones on as I attempted to focus on finishing my piece about the Indians' Game 7 shortcomings. The process is challenging: Look up at a pitch. Put your head down and pump out a few sentences. Look up at another pitch. Put your head down and pump out a few more sentences.

Then, a speedy outfielder not known for his power delivers one of the most timely home runs in baseball history and everything I had written during the previous 47 outs became trivial.

Davis achieved what every kid dreams about when he or she swings a bat in the backyard. Ultimately, the Indians fell short, so this moment isn't etched in stone atop this list. But it'll be tough to top.

David Griffin has made bold moves as Cavs GM the past two seasons. Kevin Love's surgery begs for another one.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - LeBron James was demanding help when Kevin Love was available and playing well.

Unless Derrick Williams is James' idea of a complete cavalry call, it's hard to imagine he'll shrug off the loss of Love for six weeks as a simple opportunity to build character.

The idea that nothing really matters until the playoffs is a handy way of thinking, but it's far more believable for rationalizing fans than for the Cavs' heaviest lifter. James wasn't buying the "we'll be fine when everybody is healthy in April" theory a month ago and can't possibly be convinced now.

The Cavs say Love's injury doesn't change their trade plans because he wasn't going anywhere. Love-for-Carmelo Anthony never made good sense, for sure. But that doesn't mean GM David Griffin can sit back now and wait for Love and J.R. Smith to return from injury.

Williams is a nice addition but it's foolish to project his role beyond versatile contributor.

You can tell Tyronn Lue this season is all about the playoffs, and that this is a good time to manage the playing time of his stars and take his lumps if necessary to avoid undue wear and tear. But there is nothing in his tenure to suggest he'll suddenly begin closely monitoring James.

James and Lue have an understanding. James is addicted to competition. As long as he's healthy, Lue respects it and doesn't raise artificial constraints against it.

That probably won't change. So while it's correct to say Love's injury is a challenge for Lue to keep his eye on the prize, it's more realistically a challenge for Griffin to improve an already well-heeled team.

Does that mean finding a way to get Carmelo Anthony without giving up Love? I'm pretty sure James only thinks about that every five minutes or so.

The No. 1 seed in the East isn't important enough to risk running James into the ground. The best way to avoid that isn't to ask Lue and James to look at the big picture. You can. And it's logical to do so. But neither is a good listener on that topic.

The best way is to do what's necessary to get significant help before the trade deadline. In this case, impatience is the virtue.

Good luck, Griff. It goes without saying LeBron's counting on you.

Shumpert, who missed the last three games with a sprained left ankle, was able to take part in the team's shootaround.

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Cleveland Cavaliers got a bit of good news on the injury front, as head coach Tyronn Lue announced Iman Shumpert will make his return to the lineup Tuesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

Shumpert, who missed the last three games with a sprained left ankle, didn't have a noticeable limp when he arrived at the arena shortly before 11 a.m. local time. He was able to take part in the team's morning shootaround.

"He is the bionic man," Lue said recently about Shumpert's ability to recover from injuries. "He heals fast."

Averaging 7.8 points on a career-best 43 percent shooting, including 40 percent from 3-point range, Shumpert has grown comfortable in the starting lineup, a spot he has occupied since the middle of January. 

DeAndre Liggins, who started two of the three games with Shumpert sidelined, will go back to his usual role of coming off the bench. 

That's been James' approach all season, shutting down questions about needing rest. Watch video

MINNEAPOLIS - The Cleveland Cavaliers have a plan.

They don't know exactly when, but they set out this season with the idea to cut LeBron James' minutes back, keeping him healthy, fresh and rested going into the playoffs.

And not even the latest injury to Kevin Love will keep that from happening.

"We're still going to go about our plan," head coach Tyronn Lue said Tuesday morning, prior to the team's shootaround in Minnesota. "We can't run LeBron into the ground because Kevin is out. Guys got to step up and be ready to play and the games that we discussed (internally) that he can possibly be out in March, then we'll look forward to that. Right now not thinking about that. Just thinking about tonight and tomorrow and then we got to go from there."

The short-term plan will center on Channing Frye, who gets the start Tuesday night against the Timberwolves and likely Wednesday as well, given Indiana's big frontline. But Lue admitted replacing Love won't be easy, requiring a committee approach.

James Jones, Derrick Williams and James were singled out Tuesday as players Lue expects to use in the 4-spot with Love out.

James doing more?

"I'll rest when I retire," he said. "As long as I'm in the lineup, we've got a chance. We good. Kev is out, Kev is out for an extended period of time. J.R. (Smith) has been out, but I'm in the lineup. I'll be suiting up. We've got a chance against anybody. I ain't worried."

LeBron James isn't worried about Love's injury

That's been James' approach all season, shutting down questions about needing rest.

He consistently says he feels great, is healthy and in a great rhythm. The other night in Oklahoma City it looked as if Lue was going to rest his Big Three, but chose instead to play them. James has been dismissive of his workload, something Lue mentioned recently, and it appears James is accepting the latest challenge head on.

"I've never stepped down," he said when asked if he relishes stepping up in these situations. "It's been a burden on me since I got drafted. Why does it change now? Ain't nothing changed. I have my guys ready to play every single night."

While the easy answer is to ask James to carry more of the offensive load, Lue surely wants to avoid that.

James, who has missed three games this season to rest, enters Tuesday tied with Toronto's Kyle Lowry as the NBA's leader in minutes per game. James is playing more than at any point since coming back to Cleveland.

And that's where Lue's latest challenge comes in.

This was the time when the cutback was expected to start. Instead, James has topped the 40-minute mark three times in February and two starters being out could tempt Lue to ask more of his star, especially as the Cavs cling to the Eastern Conference's top spot. They are only two games ahead of Boston. 

But Lue says he's determined to not compromise on his initial goal.

"It's always important because we play so well at home and in the playoffs last year, we didn't lose a game at home until the Finals on our floor," Lue said when asked about the race for homecourt advantage. "So our fans and the city of Cleveland is great for us.

"But if you want to be a championship team, you got to be able to win on the road. So I'll take health any day. And every round we've played in, we've won on an opposing team's floor. So, we know we can win on the road. Health is more important to me right now, especially with guys being out."

If there's any silver lining here it's the plethora of experience with injuries. For some reason, adversity has had a way of bringing out the Cavs' best.

They went through most of the 2015 postseason, making it to the NBA Finals, despite Love being sidelined because of a shoulder injury. Kyrie Irving was out for the first few months of the regular season last year and it didn't hurt the team's standing. They haven't tumbled off the top spot yet -- even without Smith since late December.

Now, the Cavs go into the final regular season stretch without Love, who is expected to be sidelined for six weeks following Tuesday's knee surgery.

"Not for us a blessing in disguise, but for him, hopefully get his body healthy and when he comes back be 100 percent healthy going into the playoffs," Lue said. "So, we wish Kevin the best and we know our medical team is great. So, we'll figure it out. I'm confident that we will."

Cleveland sports fans wonder about the Cavaliers need for a big man and the flip side of Tom Brady's status as the greatest QB of all time.