The Cleveland Cavaliers managed to stop the bleeding on Monday night, snapping a three-game skid with a much-needed win. That brings them to 16-14 on the season-still within striking distance in a crowded Eastern Conference-but the road doesn’t get any easier. They’ll turn right around and host the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, and the injury report heading into that matchup is a crowded one.
Let’s start with the headline names: Darius Garland and Lonzo Ball. Garland is officially listed as questionable with a left quadriceps contusion-just the latest in a string of lower-body issues that have slowed him down this season.
He’s still working his way back from offseason toe surgery, and now the quad injury could sideline him again. It’s been a frustrating start to the 2025-26 campaign for the 25-year-old, especially after earning All-Star honors last season.
Through 14 appearances this year, Garland is averaging 17.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.8 assists, but his shooting numbers-39.5% from the field, 35.4% from three-haven’t quite matched his usual efficiency.
As for Ball, he’s out due to injury management, continuing his cautious return to action. He won’t suit up on Tuesday, and he’s not alone on that list.
The Cavs will also be without Evan Mobley and Larry Nance Jr., both dealing with calf injuries, and Max Strus, who’s sidelined with a foot issue. That’s four key rotation pieces unavailable, and potentially five if Garland can’t go.
So what does that mean for Cleveland’s rotation? Expect Donovan Mitchell to shoulder even more of the offensive load.
He’s already been the engine for this team, but without Garland, his responsibilities as a playmaker and scorer only grow. Sam Merrill, who’s carved out a solid role off the bench, could see extended minutes as well-especially if the Cavs need to stretch the floor against a Pelicans team that, despite their record, can still get hot.
Keep an eye on Craig Porter Jr. and Tyrese Proctor, too. If Garland sits, both young guards could be called on to help stabilize the backcourt. Porter has shown flashes of two-way potential, and Proctor’s minutes have been trending upward in recent weeks.
Injuries are part of the grind in an 82-game season, but for the Cavs, this stretch is about survival-and staying in the playoff mix until they can get healthy. Tuesday’s game against New Orleans is a chance to build some momentum, but they’ll have to do it with a short deck.