NEW YORK -- The Cavaliers have yet another starting lineup for the foreseeable future, one in which the old lineups of the past two Finals returns and Derrick Rose simply replaces Kyrie Irving.

Coach Tyronn Lue said when Rose returns from a sprained left ankle, likely for Saturday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Rose would start at point guard alongside J.R. Smith, LeBron James, Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson.

The latest iteration of starters -- their fourth new lineup in six games -- means Love is back at power forward and Jae Crowder heads to the bench.

Love opened the season at center and Thompson was on the bench, while Crowder played power forward. Lue said the banging Love endured playing opposing centers was wearing on him. Love is averaging 17.2 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, but is shooting just .240 from 3-point range.

"I think it's better, too, because ... having to (guard) all the pick-and-rolls, it's a lot of energy to ask of Kevin, especially when he has to be one of our primary scorers," Lue said. "So getting Tristan back in that lineup, the bigs, he's used to setting screens, rolling, creating space for other guys. It's what we're going to go with right now."

James played point guard the last two games with Rose out, and Dwyane Wade missed Wednesday's loss to Brooklyn. With James running the point, Lue started Love and Thompson together the last two games.

When Crowder was first announced as a starter prior to Cleveland's exhibition opener, the rationale was his versatility as a defender would enable James to play more of a rover on defense while Crowder guarded the opponent's best scorer.

The idea would, theoretically, give the Cavs something they didn't have against Kevin Durant and the Warriors. Lue said Crowder would play still play with James, entering games about halfway through the first quarter.

The Cavs are 3-2 with losses in two of their last three games.

"We can be a pretty good team," James said. "But like I said, it's too early. I mean, we're what, five games in so far? Five games in. So we have the talent but talent can only go so far. We got to put in the work. Which we've done so far, but we got to continue to put in the work."

Lue said Wade joining the bench and Smith's insertion into the starting lineup made it easier to start Thompson over Crowder. Smith is a floor spacer (though he's mired in a 6-of-34 shooting slump), as is Crowder.

"Just another class act by Jae, he was great,"Lue said. "Said 'Na, do whatever you want. You don't have to explain anything to me. I just want to win. That's the most important thing.'"

Crowder, acquired in the Irving trade from Boston, is averaging 8.2 points and 2.8 rebounds this season.

"To be honest with you I came in not putting myself as a starter, prepping myself to do whatever the team asked me to do, whether it be coming off the bench or whether it be starting," Crowder said. "So, I've been open to change because we haven't found our groove yet. We're still searching for answers to see how we can get games rolling in our favor."

Lue said Rose and Wade (left knee bruise) participated in practice and suggested that, based on how they felt Saturday morning, would play against the Pelicans. Lue also said Iman Shumpert experienced some right knee pain and expects to play, though the team would have to wait and see with him as well.

In the portion of Friday's practice open to reporters, the second unit consisted of Wade, Jeff Green, Kyle Korver, Crowder, and Channing Frye. The Cavs have received at least 45 points from their bench in four consecutive games, their longest such streak since Nov. 20-29, 2013.

The Cavs practiced at the players' union gym on 6th Avenue in New York before flying to New Orleans.