Cavs unsure if De’Andre Hunter will be ready for season opener

The Cavaliers may be without another key rotation player when they tip off the season at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday.

Forward De’Andre Hunter is questionable after banging knees with a Pistons player in last week’s preseason finale. Head coach Kenny Atkinson told reporters Monday it’s “too early to say” if Hunter will be available or in the starting lineup.

The injury — diagnosed as a right knee contusion — adds to Cleveland’s early-season challenges, with Darius Garland and Max Strus already sidelined. Hunter was expected to play a major role on the wing against a Knicks team that thrives on physicality.

“He did individual work today and was moving really well,” Atkinson said after Monday’s practice, via Ethan Sands of Cleveland.com. “He didn’t do any team stuff.”

Hunter, 27, initially said he was confident he’d be ready for opening night, but optimism has cooled as the team continues to take a cautious approach. He didn’t return after halftime in the preseason game and hasn’t participated in live drills since.

If Hunter can’t go, Dean Wade or Jaylon Tyson could get the call. Wade offers defensive spacing and familiarity in the system, while Tyson impressed in camp with his toughness and energy. Still, neither provides Hunter’s two-way steadiness.

Atkinson has stressed sustainability over short-term risk, especially with a roster that finished last season bruised and exhausted.

The Cavs open their season Wednesday against the Knicks in what some have called a potential preview of the Eastern Conference finals.