The Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks enter Friday’s NBA Cup matchup at State Farm Arena dealing with several rotation questions as both teams try to recover from recent losses.
Cleveland arrives at 12–7 after falling to Toronto earlier in the week, while Atlanta sits at 11–8 following a road defeat in Washington.
The Cavaliers list multiple guards and wings on their report, creating uncertainty around a rotation that leans heavily on Donovan Mitchell’s 29.9 points per game and Evan Mobley’s two-way production.
Jarrett Allen is probable with a right third-finger strain, and his availability remains important because he is averaging 14.8 points and 7.6 rebounds in 14 games.
Sam Merrill is out with a right-hand sprain, removing a perimeter shooter who is hitting 44.4% from deep in his 25.9 minutes.
Craig Porter Jr. is questionable due to a left hamstring strain after posting 5.8 points and 2.5 assists per game off the bench.
Dean Wade is also questionable with a right-knee hyperextension, adding to the Cavaliers’ wing-depth concerns.
Max Strus remains sidelined following left-foot surgery, and both Chris Livingston and Luke Travers are away on G League assignments.
Cleveland’s most recent performances highlight the importance of its healthy starters, as Mitchell scored 25 against Toronto and Mobley continues to average 18.7 points with 8.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists.
Atlanta faces its own limitations after dropping a 132–113 result to Washington in its last outing, ending a brief one-game win streak.
Trae Young is out with a right-knee MCL sprain, leaving primary playmaking duties to Dyson Daniels and Vit Krejci.
Daniels is averaging 9.9 points, 5.7 assists and 6.4 rebounds across 19 starts, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker remains Atlanta’s most consistent perimeter scorer at 18.6 points per game.
Kristaps Porzingis holds a key frontcourt role at 18.7 points and 5.9 rebounds, and his interior spacing will be needed with Jalen Johnson averaging 21.5 points and 9.5 boards.
N’Faly Dante is out with an MCL sprain, and rookie Nikola Djurisic remains sidelined due to a right-elbow sprain.
Caleb Houstan is listed as questionable, while Eli John Ndiaye continues his two-way assignment in the G League.
The Cavaliers won the first meeting of the season on November 2, taking a 117–109 home win behind efficient shooting and a balanced defensive effort.
