The Cavaliers were flying high Tuesday night after a solid win over the Knicks. They looked like a team in sync, brimming with confidence, and it seemed like they were hitting their stride.
Fast forward two days, and the injury report is a laundry list of concerns.
The Cavs might be heading into Friday's matchup against the Pistons without several key guards-and possibly more. Donovan Mitchell's absence due to a groin strain is the most glaring issue.
It's late February, and he's no stranger to the wear and tear of this time of year. The Cavs need him healthy for the playoffs, so if he needs to sit out a few games, that's a strategic move worth making.
James Harden has tried to push through similar situations before, but it's a crowded injury list.
Dean Wade, Dennis Schroder, and Keon Ellis are all questionable. Wade and Schroder are dealing with ankle sprains, while Ellis is sidelined with a broken finger. Max Strus remains out with a foot injury.
That's a significant chunk of the rotation potentially missing against a top-tier Detroit team leading the Eastern Conference.
The Cavs showed resilience in Milwaukee without Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Harden. But there's only so much depth to go around.
Friday's game will be a true test of the Cavs' resilience and adaptability when the going gets tough. And lately, it seems like things are getting tough in a hurry.