Cleveland Cavaliers enter Friday night’s matchup against the San Antonio Spurs facing one of their most challenging personnel shortages of the season. With injuries piling up rapidly and the team sliding down the Eastern Conference standings, Cleveland now confronts a crucial test as they attempt to steady their season amid an increasingly depleted roster.
Evan Mobley now questionable amid team-wide injury crisis
The latest setback comes in the form of Evan Mobley, who is now questionable due to illness. According to early reports, the star forward was absent from the team’s morning shootaround, casting significant doubt over his availability. His absence would be a major blow, given his recent surge — the reigning Defensive Player of the Year has delivered three double-doubles in his last five outings and posted 23 points and 10 rebounds in the recent loss to Portland.
The timing could not be worse. Cleveland has already dropped four of its last five games and has plummeted from second to eighth place in the East within weeks. With Mobley potentially sidelined, Cleveland Cavaliers’ defensive structure faces further strain after conceding 39 free throws in their last outing even with him on the floor.
Six Cavaliers ruled out, leaving rotation shorthanded
Mobley’s uncertain status adds to an already overwhelming list of absentees. Cleveland will be without Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, Sam Merrill, Max Strus, Larry Nance Jr., and Tyrese Proctor. Garland remains out for ongoing toe injury management, while Allen continues working back from a finger issue with staff optimistic about his return timeline. Merrill is still unable to handle the ball comfortably, and Strus and Nance Jr. are dealing with foot and calf injuries respectively, with no clear return date for Strus and at least a month projected for Nance Jr. Proctor remains unavailable due to personal reasons.
The shorthanded Cavs now face a Spurs team that has exceeded expectations this season even without Victor Wembanyama. San Antonio’s growth without their franchise centerpiece stands in stark contrast to Cleveland’s current struggle to stay competitive amid mounting setbacks.
With as many as seven players potentially unavailable, Cleveland Cavaliers must find answers quickly to avoid further slippage in the standings.