The Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder will enter their Sunday matchup at the Paycom Center absences on both sides.
Cleveland will be without Max Strus, who is sidelined with a Jones fracture in his left foot, along with two-way players Tristan Enaruna and Riley Minix.
Oklahoma City is facing a deepening injury record, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alex Caruso and Jalen Williams all out with strains and sprains. Thomas Sorber continues to recover from right ACL surgery, while Ajay Mitchell will also miss the match due to abdominal and ankle problems.
Donovan Mitchell, who is averaging 28.8 points, 5.9 assists and 4.4 rebounds this season, will likely shoulder a heavier offensive load for the Cavs. Evan Mobley’s 17.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game remain central to Cleveland’s frontcourt production. Jarrett Allen adds 14.9 points and 8.4 rebounds per outing, keeping the team inside.
The Thunder will rely on Chet Holmgren, who contributes 17.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game to counter Cleveland’s frontcourt. Luguentz Dort provides perimeter defense averaging 8.7 points, and Cason Wallace contributes 8.1 points in addition to 3.1 rebounds per game.
Cleveland is coming off back-to-back wins, including a 118-113 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on February 20, extending their winning streak to seven.
Oklahoma City is 6-4 in their last ten, having won 105-86 against the Brooklyn Nets on February 20, following a 93-110 home loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on February 12.
This game follows an earlier regular season meeting in January, where the Thunder dominated 136-104 in Cleveland.
The Cavaliers, fourth in the Eastern Conference at 36-21, are riding a seven-game winning streak. The Thunder have a 43-14 record and lead the Western Conference.
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