The Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Orlando Magic on January 24, with both teams dealing with key injuries ahead of a crucial Eastern Conference matchup. Tipoff is set for 7:00 PM ET at the Kia Center, with Cleveland coming in on 26/20 and Orlando on 23/20.
Injuries will influence rotation decisions on both sides, especially in the backcourt and on the wing. The match also marks the first meeting between the teams this season.
Cleveland remains without Darius Garland, who is out with a right big toe sprain. The point guard has averaged 18.0 points and 6.9 assists, and his absence continues to place additional responsibility for the game on Donovan Mitchell.
Mitchell responded with consistent production, scoring 29.0 points and 5.7 assists per game while shooting 48.2 percent from the field. The Cavaliers have won two games in a row, thanks to his scoring and Evan Mobley’s expanded role.
Sam Merrill is also unavailable due to a right hand sprain. Max Strus remains sidelined after undergoing left foot surgery due to a Jones fracture. Additional absences include Chris Livingston and Luke Travers, both on two-way assignments.
Mobley continues to anchor the frontcourt with 18.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. Jarrett Allen provides inner balance, shooting 59.0 percent and averaging 7.9 rebounds in less than 28 minutes.
Orlando is facing his own challenges, most notably the absence of Franz Wagner. The forward is out with pain in his left ankle after averaging 22.2 points and 6.1 rebounds in 26 games.
Jalen Suggs is listed as likely with a right knee MCL contusion, which could be a potential boost for the backcourt. Suggs has averaged 15.0 points and 4.7 assists.
The Magic are also without Colin Castleton on a two-way assignment. Still, 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 is adding 18.9 points on 45.2 percent shooting. Wendell Carter Jr. anchors the middle with 12.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.
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