The Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Miami on Monday to face the Heat at Kaseya Center with both teams dealing with multiple injuries.
Cleveland will be without Chris Livingston (G League) and Max Strus (left foot surgery), while Larry Nance Jr. is questionable with a left knee contusion. Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley are expected to lead the Cavaliers’ lineup.
The Cavaliers enter the matchup at 7-3, with Mitchell averaging 30.7 points per game and Mobley contributing 20.0 points and 8.5 rebounds per contest. Darius Garland and De’Andre Hunter provide additional scoring and playmaking when active.
Miami’s injury report is more extensive, with Bam Adebayo (left big toe sprain), Tyler Herro (left ankle surgery), and Terry Rozier (not with team amid federal gambling investigation) sidelined. Norman Powell, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, Kasparas Jakucionis, and Dru Smith are all listed as available or probable.
The Heat hold a 6-4 record and rely on Powell for 23.3 points per game, while Adebayo has averaged 19.9 points and 8.1 rebounds when healthy. Andrew Wiggins contributes 17.3 points per contest, offering scoring depth in the absence of other starters.
Both teams face rotations challenges, meaning bench players could see extended minutes. Cleveland may lean on Jarrett Allen, Sam Merrill, and Lonzo Ball, while Miami could rely on Davion Mitchell, Kel’el Ware, and Simone Fontecchio.
Cleveland has won four straight games, including a 148-114 victory over Washington, while Miami has split its last five contests, highlighted by a 136-131 home win over Portland. Monday’s game could test both teams’ depth under injury adversity.
The matchup is set for a 7:30 PM ET tipoff.
