**Cleveland Cavaliers' Pato Absent Due to Injury Hitting Team Performance**

The Cleveland Cavaliers have experienced a significant setback in their recent basketball campaign with the absence of their star player, Kevin Durant. The 29-year-old forward has been sidelined since March due to a right knee ligament tear and is expected to miss at least six games.

Durant's absence has had a profound impact on the team's overall performance. His contributions as a leader, scorer, and defensive anchor were crucial for the Cavaliers' success during their playoff run last season. With Durant out, the Cavaliers have struggled to maintain their high level of play.

The team's offense has suffered the most from Durant's absence. Without his ability to score efficiently and shoot from deep, the Cavaliers have found themselves struggling to generate points. Their defense, while still strong, has also taken a hit as they lose one of their most reliable defenders.

The absence of Durant has also affected the team's chemistry and morale. His presence was often felt in the locker room and on the court, providing motivation and leadership to his teammates. Without him, the team has had to rely more heavily on other players, which has sometimes led to a lack of cohesion.

Despite the challenges, the Cavaliers remain optimistic about their chances of making the playoffs this season. They have made several key acquisitions in free agency and through trades to bolster their roster. Additionally, the team has been able to find ways to compensate for Durant's absence, such as increasing their reliance on Kyrie Irving's scoring abilities and improving their bench depth.

As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the Cavaliers adapt to Durant's absence and whether they can overcome their current struggles to make it into the playoffs. With their talented roster and potential, there is reason to believe that the Cavaliers can compete for a championship despite missing one of their top players.