The Cleveland Cavaliers are wrapping up their West Coast swing tonight in Denver, and they’ll be doing it with a reshuffled lineup once again. Injuries have been a constant storyline this season, and tonight is no different: Dean Wade is officially out with an ankle injury, while rookie Jaylon Tyson, who was questionable with the same issue, has been cleared to play.
Tyrese Proctor, another young piece who was listed as questionable due to illness, will also be available. That’s a welcome development for a team that’s had to get creative with its rotations lately.
Still, the Cavs will continue to be without two major contributors: Evan Mobley and Max Strus. Mobley hasn’t seen the floor since January 26 due to a calf strain, and Strus has yet to suit up at all this season. That’s a lot of length, athleticism, and floor spacing sitting on the bench in street clothes.
Wade’s absence, in particular, is a sneaky big deal. He doesn’t always light up the box score, but his defensive impact is real.
He’s one of Cleveland’s most versatile stoppers-able to switch, help, and hold his own against bigger wings. With Wade out and De’Andre Hunter now in Sacramento following the trade deadline deal that brought in Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, the Cavs are thin at the wing.
That trade has already paid some early dividends, but it’s clear the rotation is still adjusting.
Despite all the lineup juggling, Cleveland has kept the train moving. Since December 29, they’ve posted the best winning percentage in the NBA, and they’ve done it with top-10 efficiency on both ends of the floor. That’s not just surviving-it’s thriving.
A big reason why? Donovan Mitchell has been playing like a man on a mission.
His All-Star level production has been the engine, while Jarrett Allen continues to anchor the paint with consistency and effort that often flies under the radar. And now, there’s a new dynamic at play: James Harden.
Harden made his Cavaliers debut on Saturday and wasted no time making an impact, dropping 23 points and helping close out a win. It’s early, but the chemistry between Harden and his new teammates-especially Allen-will be something to watch. Harden’s pick-and-roll game could unlock even more from Allen, who’s already having a strong season.
Tonight’s matchup against the Nuggets is the final stop on a five-game road trip that’s already seen the Cavs take on the Kings, Clippers, Blazers, and Suns. After this, they head back to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse for their first home game of February against the Wizards on Wednesday.
The Cavs are rolling, even without a full deck. If they can grab one more win tonight in Denver, it would be a fitting cap to a road trip that’s shown just how deep-and dangerous-this team can be.