NBA teams
Associated Press 9y

Mike Miller to start instead of Marion

NBA, Cleveland Cavaliers

CLEVELAND -- Mike Miller is in the Cleveland Cavaliers' starting lineup for the first time this season after missing seven games because of a concussion.

Coach David Blatt announced the move before the Cavaliers' game Friday night against Brooklyn. Miller was set to start at shooting guard, while Shawn Marion was tabbed to come off the bench at small forward after starting 21 straight games.

Injured Dec. 4, Miller is averaging 1.5 points, 2.1 rebounds and 12.2 minutes in 13 games this season. He played with Cavaliers star LeBron James in Miami for three seasons, helping the Heat win consecutive titles.

"Sometimes you just want to shake things up a little bit," Blatt said.

Blatt said he doesn't have a specific minute restriction on Miller.

"Obviously we have to consider the fact he has hasn't played for long stretches in a little bit of time," Blatt said. "We'll have to gauge on the court wind-wise."

Blatt hopes Marion will help Cleveland's bench.

"We've been getting a great contribution from Shawn when he was starting, but we have had some issues coming off the bench and we're looking for a way to fortify that," Blatt said. "You're always trying to figure out a way you can improve in different areas of the game and that might be one of them."

With Miller's return, the Cavaliers are at full strength for the first time in six weeks. Guard Matthew Dellavedova returned last week after missing 15 games because of a sprained knee.

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