Cleveland ? Saddened by an unexpected death in their family, the Cavaliers prepared to play their biggest game in years not knowing if starting guard Larry Hughes will be back for Game 3.

Hughes left the team on Thursday after his 20-year-old brother, Justin, died after battling complications from a 1997 heart transplant. He was born with a heart defect and endured a lifetime of health issues.

Hughes, who helped raise Justin and honored him by having “I Am My Brother’s Keeper” tattooed on his neck, was with his family in St. Louis. Justin’s funeral is scheduled for Tuesday.

LeBron James said after Friday’s practice that he didn’t anticipate Hughes returning for Saturday’s playoff game against the Detroit Pistons, who hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

“Honestly, no,” James said. “I don’t expect him to come back. It would be a big surprise if he did.”

Cavaliers coach Mike Brown had not spoken to Hughes since before he left town and has no plans to contact him.

“The only thing that I’m concerned about is Larry Hughes being with his family, and on top of that, we’ll just figure it out as we go along,” Brown said. “If I need to get in touch with him, I’ll reach out to him.”