Cleveland Cavaliers forward Max Strus is out for at least six weeks after suffering a right ankle sprain during individual workouts earlier this week, the team announced Saturday.
Strus had missed two preseason games with a separate injury (right hip contusion) before he hurt the ankle on Thursday. An X-ray and MRI confirmed the severity of the sprain, the team said.
He will be reassessed after six weeks or treatment and rehabilitation.
Strus, 28, played a key role for the Cavs in his first season with the team last year, starting 70 games and averaging 12.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists. He's also one of the best 3-point shooters on the team, having averaged nearly seven attempts per game last year.
The Cavaliers open their regular season on Oct. 23 against the Toronto Raptors.