The Portland Trail Blazers (8-13) visit the Cleveland Cavaliers (13-9) at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Wednesday, December 3, with both teams looking to build on their recent results.
Portland is coming off a narrow 118-121 loss at Toronto, while Cleveland enters the game following a 135-119 victory over Indiana.
Portland faces significant injury challenges, with stars Damian Lillard (left Achilles) and Jrue Holiday (right calf) sidelined. Scoot Henderson (left hamstring) and Matisse Thybulle (left thumb) are also out, while Deni Avdija, Donovan Clingan, and Kris Murray are listed as questionable.
Avdija leads the team with 25.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists, highlighting the impact of his uncertain availability.
The Cavaliers also contend with absences, including Jarrett Allen (right third finger), Sam Merrill (right hand), Larry Nance Jr. (right calf), and Max Strus (left foot). Lonzo Ball is probable with an illness.
Donovan Mitchell remains Cleveland’s primary scoring threat at 30.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, while Evan Mobley contributes 18.9 points and 9.0 rebounds per game.
Both teams will need to adjust rotations to account for key players missing. Portland’s backcourt will rely heavily on Avdija, Jerami Grant (19.1 points), and Shaedon Sharpe (21.0 points) if available.
Cleveland’s offense will lean on Mitchell and Mobley, with Darius Garland (14.7 points, 6.9 assists) providing additional playmaking.
This matchup marks the first meeting of the season between the Trail Blazers and Cavaliers.
