The Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Miami Wednesday for a matchup with the Heat, facing multiple key absences. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET at Kaseya Center.
Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley are out for rest, while Darius Garland and Max Strus are sidelined with injuries. Larry Nance Jr. is questionable with a left knee contusion, and Jaylon Tyson remains out with a concussion.
Miami’s injury list is equally significant. Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro are out due to left toe and ankle surgeries, respectively. Terry Rozier will not be with the team amid federal gambling investigation, and Jahmir Young remains inactive in the G League. Several players, including Jaime Jaquez Jr., Davion Mitchell, Dru Smith, and Kel’el Ware, are available but managing minor injuries.
Cleveland enters the game at 7-4, with Donovan Mitchell leading the team at 30.4 points per game when active. Jarrett Allen and De’Andre Hunter provide support on both ends, but the absence of Garland and Mobley limits depth in the backcourt and paint.
The Heat also sit at 7-4 and have been dominant at home, winning all five games at Kaseya Center. Norman Powell and Andrew Wiggins have been primary scoring options, while Bam Adebayo’s absence forces Kel’el Ware and Jaquez Jr. to shoulder additional responsibilities on both offense and defense.
On Monday, the Cavaliers lost a double-overtime thriller in Miami, 140-138, with Norman Powell scoring 33 points and Kel’el Ware adding 19 rebounds.
