Rodney Hood leaves Cavs-Clippers with lower back strain

Rodney Hood has left the Cavs’ game Friday against the Clippers with a lower back strain. Per cleveland.com’s Joe Vardon, the team says Hood won’t return.

Hood finishes the game with seven minutes minutes played and zero points on 0-3 shooting. He was starting his second game after Tyronn Lue has forced to adjust his starting lineup after Tristan Thompson hurt his ankle against the Nuggets last Saturday.

Hood’s absence likely means more minutes for a variety of people. Kyle Korver checked in for him first, and Korver can certainly provide the shooting Hood offers. J.R. Smith is likely to play more, too. Cedi Osman and and Jeff Green also would also seem to be in line for more minutes. Lue could also turn to a smaller backcourt of George Hill and Jordan Clarkson for stretches, something he’s done a few times of late.

Hood is averaging 11.2 points per game since bing acquired by the Cavs at the trade deadline.