Cavs' Irving sidelined with knee issue

Irving hurt the knee in practice last week and was slowed by the injury during recent games at Orlando and Miami. He made just 6 of 16 shots in the loss to the Heat and did not have his usual explosiveness.

"It bothered him the last two games," coach Byron Scott said. "The Orlando game, it bothered him, then the Miami game it bothered him more. So yesterday he was still complaining about it really bothering him and hurting, but he wanted to give it a go. We just didn't think there was a reason why he should.

"If it continues to get worse, he'll probably have to sit out a whole lot longer than expected. So right now our medical team thought it would be a good idea to rest him next couple days and see where he is and we'll go from there."

Scott said tests on Irving's knee came back negative and he is considered day to day. The Cavaliers' next game is Wednesday at home against Toronto.

Irving was the NBA Rookie of the Year last season, when he averaged 18.5 points and 5.4 assists. The No. 1 overall selection in the 2011 draft has been even better this season, averaging 23.3 points, 5.6 assists and 3.6 rebounds. He won the 3-point shooting contest during All-Star weekend in Houston.