PREVIEW: Cavs hope to avoid season sweep against Pacers on Friday

New roles for Thompson, Crowder

Tristan Thompson has started 321 of his 492 career games (65.2 percent), but only five of his 26 games (19.2 percent) this season. Lue plans to tinker with his rotations on Friday, as Thompson will start at center, Love will start at power forward and Jae Crowder will come off the bench.

The move should fortify the defense, with the Cavs ranked last in the NBA in defensive rating (109.9), and fifth last in points allowed per game (109.6). Thompson has averaged eight-or-more rebounds per game since 2012-13 (except 2017-18), and Love has spent the vast majority of his career guarding the power forward position.

Look for Thompson to help Thomas with pick-and-rolls and screens, enabling him to have more space and open looks. Crowder has started all but three contests over the last three years between the Cavaliers and Celtics.

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