The Cleveland Cavaliers visit the New York Knicks on Thursday, December 25 with a noon ET tipoff at Madison Square Garden. Opening Christmas Day, two Eastern Conference teams are firmly in the playoff mix.
Cleveland enters New York with a 17-14 record and a two-game winning streak. The Cavaliers are coming off back-to-back high-scoring victories, including a 141-118 win over New Orleans on Dec. 23 and a 139-132 victory against Charlotte the night before.
New York has a 20-14 record but is on a one-game losing streak entering the holiday matchup. The Knicks dropped a 115-104 road game at Minnesota on December 23 after beating Miami 132-125 on December 21.
The teams have met once this season, with New York earning a 119-111 victory on Oct. 22 at Madison Square Garden. That result gives the Knicks an early lead in the season series.
Clevelands injury report is led by Evan Mobley, who is listed as doubtful due to a left calf strain. Mobley is averaging 19.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks, making his availability central to Cleveland’s interior defense and offensive balance.
The Cavaliers are also without Max Strus, who is out after left foot surgery, and Larry Nance Jr., who is sidelined with a right calf strain. Two-way players Chris Livingston and Luke Travers are also unavailable.
Cleveland’s offense continues to be led by Donovan Mitchell, who is averaging 30.6 points per game on 50.0 percent shooting. Darius Garland has added 17.1 points and 6.9 assists despite missing time earlier this season.
New York’s injury report includes the absences of Miles McBride, who is out with a sprained left ankle, and Landry Shamet, who is sidelined with a sprained right shoulder. Both players have provided backcourt depth and perimeter shooting off the bench.
Striker Guerschon Yabusele is listed as doubtful due to illness. His minutes have been limited, but New York has relied on depth recently.
The Knicks remain anchored by Jalen Brunson, who is averaging 29.1 points and 6.6 assists. Karl-Anthony Towns controlled the glass with 11.7 rebounds per game and contributed 22.3 points.
#Cavaliers #Knicks #injury #report #Mobley #McBride #statuses #loom #Christmas #Day #game #TalkBasket.net