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INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) — Cavaliers starting forward Ben Wallace is doubtful for Game 3 of Cleveland’s playoff series against the Boston Celtics because of allergies and a left inner ear infection.
Wallace started but played less than 4 minutes in Thursday night’s game before he became dizzy and asked to come out. He staggered to the bench and had to be assisted by his teammates before the Cavs’ training staff stepped in.
Wallace underwent a series of tests at the Cleveland Clinic on Friday. The team said the defensive stopper could be upgraded but it was “best case, 50-50” that Wallace would play Saturday in Game 3.
Cavs coach Mike Brown said if Wallace can’t go, Anderson Varejao would likely start up front alongside LeBron James and Zydrunas Ilgauskas as Cleveland tries to climb back from an 0-2 deficit in the best-of-seven series.
Wallace joined the Cavaliers in a trade from Chicago in February. He missed several regular-season games because of back spasms.
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While this series has that scary feel of last year when the Cavs were down 0-2 to the Pistons, the script is flipped a little. Last year, the Cavs were thrashed in the first game and in the second game, made some adjustments and had some positives to take out of the final moments. This year, Cleveland had a close game to open the series but were crushed in the second game. Regardless, the Cavs have to virtually win out from here. While Wallace wasn't setting the world on fire, his problems means more time will go to AV. And if Andy keeps playing poorly, the Cavs are in trouble. LeBron James must find his shot. Even the lay-ups aren't falling.