Cavs’ Shumpert to replace Liggins as starter

Iman Shumpert will replace DeAndre Liggins in the Cavaliers’ starting lineup for Friday’s game at Sacramento, coach Tyronn Lue told reporters.

The Cavs (28-10) have lost two straight on their current six-game road swing.

Liggins, 28, is in his first season with the Cavs and has started 16 games. He is averaging 3.2 points on 38 percent shooting.

Shumpert, 26, is averaging 6.9 points and 2.8 rebounds. This will be his second start of the season.

Shumpert and Liggins have been trying to hold down the spot while J.R. Smith recovers from thumb surgery. Smith isn’t expected back until sometime around the beginning of March.

Recently acquired Kyle Korver has also been trying to help fill the void left by Smith.

The Kings (16-22) have lost five of seven. Sacramento is the site of LeBron James’ first game as an NBA player back in 2003.

Welcome back to where it all started… ? recognize ? https://t.co/0skVKnz805

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) January 13, 2017