Kevin Love reacts after injuring his shoulder.
IN PHOTO: Apr 26, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) injures his shoulder during the first half in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics. at TD Garden. Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Cavaliers will miss star forward Kevin Love in their conference semi-final match-up, either against the Chicago Bulls or Milwaukee Bucks, according to the latest injury report. Love suffered a dislocated left shoulder in their clinching game against the Boston Celtics in the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

The Cavs big man was involved in a controversial play where Celtics big man Kelly Olynyk appeared to lock and pull Love’s arms that caused the shoulder injury. Love called the play a “bush league” move accusing the Olynyk of intentionally hurting him in the play. The league has suspended the Celtics big man for one game because of the play and will serve the suspension next season.

“X-rays and a MRI have been performed, as well as further evaluation at Cleveland Clinic Sports Health today by Cavaliers head team physician Dr. Richard D. Parker and Dr. Mark Schickendantz. Evaluation and imaging have defined the extent of the injury: an acute anterior inferior glenohumeral dislocation with the corresponding ligament/labrum tearing and humeral head bone bruising,” stated the medical report posted in the Cavaliers official website.

The same report also stated that Love’s status will be updated in the next several days if he is available in the next series, should the Cavaliers survive the Eastern Conference Semi-Final. In related news, J.R. Smith has also been suspended by the league for his flagrant foul against Celtics forward Jae Crowder in the same game. Cavaliers centre Kendrick Perkins avoided suspension and was fined $15,000 by the league.

The Cavaliers will now be without their two starters in Smith and Love when they face the Bulls or the Bucks in the conference semi-final. Chicago leads Milwaukee, 3-2 in that first round best-of-seven series after the Bucks beat the Bulls, 94-88 on Monday night.

Love, who is appearing in his first-ever NBA postseason, has averaged 18.3 points and 9.0 rebounds in his first three games in the sweep against Boston. Without Love, the scoring load will increase for the other two superstars, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, in the Cavaliers line-up.

To contact author of this article, email j.quizon@IBTimes.com.au.

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