The Utah Jazz and Cleveland Cavaliers will meet Monday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland with multiple injury concerns shaping both lineups.
Utah is expected to be without Walker Kessler (left shoulder) and Georges Niang (left foot stress reaction), while Ace Bailey is listed as questionable with a left hip flexor strain. Jusuf Nurkic is probable after a left 1st MTP sprain, leaving the Jazz to rely heavily on Lauri Markkanen, who averages 27.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.
The Jazz have struggled on the road this season, entering Monday’s contest at 13-25 overall and coming off a 95-150 loss to the Hornets. Keyonte George will need to continue his scoring at 23.6 points per game to help offset Utah’s limited depth.
Cleveland will be without Max Strus (left foot surgery), Dean Wade (left knee contusion), and G-League two-way players Chris Livingston and Luke Travers. The Cavaliers are expected to lean on Donovan Mitchell, who is averaging 29.8 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game.
Evan Mobley will also play a critical role for the Cavs, contributing 18.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game while anchoring the defense. Darius Garland, at 17.7 points and 6.9 assists per game, will be asked to create offense and stabilize ball movement for the home team.
Cleveland has won its last matchup against Minnesota 146-134, bouncing back after a 122-131 loss to the same team, giving them momentum heading into Monday’s game.
The Jazz and Cavaliers have not met yet this season, making this the first matchup of 2025-26 between the two squads. The contest tips off at 7:00 p.m. ET.
