CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Cavaliers open the season in New York City at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks. The game could be a preview of the Eastern Conference finals, although the Cavs will be without at least two of their starters — point guard Darius Garland, wings Max Strus and possibly De’ Andre Hunter. Several Knicks are listed day-to-day and may not play, including Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart.

Regardless of which players play, it should be interesting to see how coach Kenny Atkinson deploys his roster for the early part of the season as he looks to push the ball on offense and be more aggressive on defense.

Ultimately Atkinson is preparing the team to go deeper in the playoffs than the second round. Part of going deeper also means keeping the injury bug at bay.

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