Lue: Thompson could start Game 2 to exploit Horford matchup

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue tipped his hand before Game 2.

Lue revealed Monday that Tristan Thompson could join the starting lineup to exploit the matchup against Boston Celtics center Al Horford, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

Thompson has historically proven tricky for Horford, who has trouble matching his physicality and mobility. Thompson tends to exploit Horford on the offensive glass, and that pattern played out in Game 1, when the Cavs center snagged four offensive rebounds in 21 minutes off the bench.

Having said that, the Cavaliers have preferred to stay small with Kevin Love at center throughout the playoffs for the added floor spacing. Putting Thompson on the floor could neutralize Horford to some degree, but Cleveland's biggest issue in Game 1 was on offense, where they only managed 83 points on 36 percent shooting.

To counter Thompson, Celtics coach Brad Stevens could presumably move Aron Baynes into the starting lineup to body him.