Cavs Dealing With Heavy Injuries Ahead of Matchup vs. Pacers
The Cleveland Cavaliers head into Monday night’s matchup against the Indiana Pacers with a roster that’s looking more like a MASH unit than a full-strength NBA squad. Six players are officially ruled out, and while the Pacers might not be the most daunting opponent on paper, the sheer volume of absences for Cleveland is hard to ignore.
Let’s start with the injury report, which became official at 1:30 p.m. ET. No game-time decisions, no questionable tags-just six players definitively out:
- Jarrett Allen (right third finger strain)
- Lonzo Ball (illness)
- Darius Garland (left great toe injury management)
- Sam Merrill (right hand sprain)
- Larry Nance Jr. (right calf strain)
- Max Strus (left foot surgery)
That’s a significant chunk of the rotation missing, including two starters in Allen and Garland, and key depth pieces across the board. The injuries span everything from finger and toe issues to post-surgical recovery, and while none of them individually sound catastrophic, the cumulative effect is a real concern.
So, what does this mean for Cleveland on the court? Well, it puts even more pressure on the shoulders of Donovan Mitchell, De’Andre Hunter, and Evan Mobley-three players who will need to carry the load on both ends of the floor. Mitchell, in particular, will likely shoulder the bulk of the offensive creation, while Mobley’s versatility becomes even more critical with Allen sidelined in the frontcourt.
Hunter, who’s been carving out a bigger role, will be leaned on for perimeter defense and secondary scoring. If those three can establish control early, the Cavs might be able to manage minutes and avoid overextending their stars in a game they’re still expected to win.
That said, no NBA matchup is a walk in the park-especially when you’re missing nearly half your rotation. The Pacers might not be world-beaters, but they’re still a professional team with enough talent to take advantage if Cleveland comes out flat or fatigued.
The Cavs will need to rely on their depth, discipline, and star power to get through this one. It’s the kind of game that tests your system and your locker room culture just as much as your talent.