The Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets face injury challenges as they prepare for Monday’s 9:00 PM ET matchup at Ball Arena. Both teams have multiple players listed as out or questionable, impacting rotations and game plans.
Cleveland will be without Emanuel Miller (G League, two-way), Evan Mobley (left calf strain), and Max Strus (left foot, Jones fracture surgery). Jaylon Tyson and Dean Wade are listed as questionable with left ankle sprains. Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen are expected to lead the Cavaliers’ core, with Mitchell averaging 28.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, and Allen contributing 14.3 points and 8.1 rebounds.
Denver’s injury report is more extensive. Tamar Bates (left foot surgery), Aaron Gordon (right hamstring strain), Peyton Watson (right hamstring strain), Curtis Jones (G League, two-way), and Spencer Jones (concussion protocol) are all out. Nikola Jokic and Christian Braun are probable with ankle sprains, while Jamal Murray is questionable with left hip inflammation. Jokic remains the focal point, averaging 28.9 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per contest.
The Cavaliers have won their last two games, beating the Sacramento Kings 132-126 and the Clippers 124-91. The Nuggets are coming off a 136-120 win over the Bulls but lost in double overtime to the Knicks, 127-134. The teams met earlier this season, with Cleveland securing a 113-108 victory at home on January 2.
Cleveland’s recent trade moves reshaped their lineup. They acquired James Harden from the Clippers and Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis from Sacramento while sending Darius Garland, De’Andre Hunter, and Lonzo Ball elsewhere. Harden is expected to immediately contribute as the Cavaliers’ primary playmaker.
Denver made a minor trade, sending Hunter Tyson and a 2032 second-round pick to the Nets for a future Clippers/Hawks 2026 second-round pick.
The Cavaliers are positioned fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 32-21 record, while the Nuggets are third in the West at 34-19.
