Tristan Thompson expected to miss 3-4 weeks with strained calf

The second-worst defense in the league just lost its best defender.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson is expected to miss three-to-four weeks as he recovers from a strained left calf, the team announced Thursday.

Thompson suffered the injury on a non-contact play in Wednesday's loss to the Indiana Pacers. He checked out of the game and was seen on crutches afterward.

Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue gave Thompson's minutes to Jae Crowder in an attempt to pivot back to their small-ball lineup. However, that strategy had little effect against the Pacers. Indiana hung 124 points on a Cavaliers side that's been largely negligent on defense this season.

Thompson came off the bench to begin the year and has struggled, even after he was restored to his starting role. The Brampton, Ontario-bred forward is averaging a career-low 4.4 points and 6.1 rebounds in 21.6 minutes per game.