CLEVELAND (NBA) - Cleveland Cavaliers guard Larry Hughes looks set to miss Game Three of the Eastern Conference semi-finals against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday after the death of his brother.
Hughes left the squad on Thursday after learning that his younger brother Justin had passed away.
Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry revealed that 20-year-old Justin, who was born with a heart defect and received a transplant 10 years ago, had died and Larry had rushed to be with his family.
"Justin Hughes touched all of us in a special way with his resilient life," Ferry said. "Life sometimes helps put the proper perspective on basketball and this is one of those occasions.
"Now is a time for Larry to be with his family as they deal with the loss of Justin, the timetable for Larry's return to the Cavaliers has not been determined."
Larry has struggled through a difficult first season with the Cavs, who trail the Pistons 2-0, averaging 15.5 points in just 36 games.
Cleveland host the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, trying to find a way back from a 2-0 deficit in their best-of-seven series.
Friday's action sees the New Jersey Nets host the Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns travel to the Los Angeles Clippers. Both series are tied at 1-1.
PA Sport