Kevin Love returning to Cavaliers following two-game absence

Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love said he will return from a two-game absence on Wednesday against the Nets. Love, 26, sat out the final two games of Cleveland’s four-game road trip, including a win over the Magic and a loss to the Heat.

Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Kevin Lovesaid he will return from a two-game absence on Wednesday against the Nets.

Love, 26, sat out the final two games of Cleveland’s four-game road trip, including a victory over the Magic and a loss to the Heat. He hasn’t played since last week’s win over the Spurs, when he did not play in the fourth quarter before returning in overtime.

The three-time All-Star has battled back spasms this season, but said head coach David Blatt wanted to rest him before the playoffs begin next month.

"Just rest," Love said. "Coach had approached me, and, you know, I was playing heavy minutes. Just came to me, asked if I would sit a game or two, and that’s all it was."

"Me resting had nothing to do with my back," Love said.

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In 64 games this season, Love has averaged 16.8 points and 10.1 rebounds while shooting 43.0% from the field and 36.4% on three pointers. In his last 10 games, he has averaged 7.2 three-point attempts per game.

The Cavaliers have won four of their last five games and are the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. They host the Nets at 7 p.m. ET.

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- Paul Palladino