The Toronto Raptors will be without Jakob Poeltl due to low back tightness for Friday’s Emirates NBA Cup matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Chucky Hepburn, A.J. Lawson, and Alijah Martin remain out on two-way G League assignments.
Poeltl’s absence leaves Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and RJ Barrett to lead Toronto’s frontcourt, with Barnes averaging 22.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game this season.
Cleveland is facing multiple injuries, with Darius Garland sidelined recovering from left great toe surgery, and Max Strus out after left foot surgery for a Jones fracture. Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell are listed as questionable with a left-hand fracture and left hamstring tightness, respectively, while Sam Merrill is out with a right hip contusion.
The Cavaliers will rely heavily on Evan Mobley and Mitchell for scoring and playmaking, with Mobley averaging 18.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. Mobley has anchored Cleveland’s interior both offensively and defensively.
Toronto’s backcourt will feature Immanuel Quickley and Jamal Shead alongside Barnes and Barrett. Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles and Sandro Mamukelashvili will provide frontcourt depth to help offset Poeltl’s absence.
The Raptors enter the game with a 1-4 record, having lost three of their last four games, while Cleveland holds a 3-2 record and is coming off a 125–105 win over Boston.
Game time is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.
