INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers could have their backup point guard position shored up as coach Tyronn Lue expects Iman Shumpert and Kay Felder to play Friday after both experienced concussion-like symptoms this week.
Felder was placed in the league's concussion protocol after taking an errant Chris Andersen elbow to the head in practice last week and is now fully cleared. Shumpert hit his head against Kristaps Porzingis' hip late in the Cavs' 117-88 season-opening win over the New York Knicks and had to exit the game.
Shumpert remains in the protocol but has made progress, according to the team. He participated in practice Thursday.
"There is a great chance he plays (Friday against Toronto), so we're happy about that," Lue said of Shumpert.
With Felder out, DeAndre Liggins also played 12 minutes against the Knicks, racking up four points, three rebounds, three assists and a block.
Lue would not commit to Liggins continuing to get playing time at point against the Raptors.
"We'll see how the game goes," Lue said.
Determining a reliable backup for Kyrie Irving might be the biggest question mark facing the defending champions as they start the season. Matthew Dellavedova signed with the Milwaukee Bucks in the offseason, and Mo Williams continues to be away from the team as Cleveland tries to find a trade partner for his $2.2 million contract.
