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Kyrie Irving to rest vs. Knicks, Mo Williams returns to the lineup

Irving gets a rest after tough game in Brooklyn

By David Zavac

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Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Kyrie Irving will not play tonight vs. the New York Knicks, but reserve Mo Williams will be active for the first time in months. This comes on the heels of a tough game on Thursday night from Irving, the day after his 24th birthday. In the past, Irving has played very well at Madison Square Garden, and the New Jersey native enjoys playing near his home.

He's been healthy since he came back in mid December, so getting him a game off seems like a no-brainer. On the other hand, he's in his athletic prime. If he's healthy, perhaps he should play. This team still doesn't have a rotation set so another game with a key piece out seems less than ideal. Either way, it's happening.

Williams was a high-profile addition by the Cavs over the summer, but he hasn't been productive or healthy. He has 10 games to try and earn a spot in the playoff rotation, though Matthew Dellavedova's play would seem to make that an unlikely event. Either way, good to see him healthy after questions about his knee have kept him out.

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