The Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Orlando Magic on January 24, with both teams navigating key injuries ahead of a pivotal Eastern Conference matchup. Tipoff is set for 7:00 PM ET at the Kia Center, where Cleveland enters at 26-20 and Orlando stands at 23-20.
Injuries will influence rotation decisions on both sides, particularly in the backcourt and on the wing. The game also marks the first meeting between the teams this season.
Cleveland remains without Darius Garland, who is out with a right great toe strain. The point guard has averaged 18.0 points and 6.9 assists, and his absence continues to place additional playmaking responsibility on Donovan Mitchell.
Mitchell has responded with consistent production, posting 29.0 points and 5.7 assists per game while shooting 48.2 percent from the field. The Cavaliers have won two straight games, leaning on his scoring and Evan Mobley’s expanded role.
Sam Merrill is also unavailable due to a right hand sprain. Max Strus remains sidelined following left foot surgery for a Jones fracture. Additional absences include Chris Livingston and Luke Travers, both out on two-way assignments.
Mobley continues to anchor the frontcourt with 18.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per contest. Jarrett Allen provides interior balance, shooting 59.0 percent while averaging 7.9 rebounds in under 28 minutes.
Orlando faces its own challenges, most notably the absence of Franz Wagner. The forward is out with left ankle soreness after averaging 22.2 points and 6.1 rebounds in 26 games.
Jalen Suggs is listed as probable with a right knee MCL contusion, offering a potential boost to the backcourt. Suggs has averaged 15.0 points and 4.7 assists.
The Magic are also without Colin Castleton due to a two-way assignment. Even so, Orlando retains a balanced lineup led by Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane.
Banchero is averaging 21.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, while Bane adds 18.9 points on 45.2 percent shooting. Wendell Carter Jr. anchors the middle with 12.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.
