Cleveland Cavaliers tackle Kevin Love, Larry Nance Jr. back against New Orleans Pelicans

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love will return to action Friday night against the New Orleans Pelicans after missing all but two games this season.

“His role tonight will be limited,” Cavs coach JB Bickerstaff said ahead of the game in New Orleans. “We kind of have that number in mind. We want to put him in a position where he can build up. We don’t want to exaggerate anything tonight where he was impacted for Sunday and then impacted to go from there. ‘before.”

Love will be in the starting lineup, the team announced, alongside Larry Nance Jr. and Jarrett Allen in the frontcourt. The game also marks Nance’s return to training. He missed more than a month with a fractured finger on his left hand.

The versatile forward was instrumental in Cleveland’s surprise start to the season and his defense was sorely missed as the team collapsed in recent weeks.

Love has not played since December 27 due to a calf injury. Bickerstaff said Love’s goal is to play “as many games as possible” the rest of the season.

“If that means we have to watch his minutes more than usual, I think that’s where our goal is … to try and get him in as many games as possible to end the season,” said said Bickerstaff.

Bickerstaff said he was not concerned about bringing Love back into the Cavs roster.

“I think all the guys understand how good Kevin is,” Bickerstaff said. “They understand the impact he can have on a game. How he makes every player a better basketball player. I expect it to take a little while as he’s been out for a while and there is going to be a period of adjustment. “