The Los Angeles Lakers travel to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers on Wednesday at Rocket Arena, with tip-off set for 7:00 p.m. ET. Both teams are vying to maintain momentum, as Los Angeles enters on a two-game winning streak and Cleveland rides a four-game run.
The Lakers will be without Austin Reaves, sidelined by a left calf strain, and Adou Thiero, who is out with a right MCL sprain.
Their absence leaves more responsibility on Luka Doncic, who is averaging 33.8 points, 8.8 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game, and LeBron James, contributing 22.4 points and 6.0 rebounds. Deandre Ayton continues to anchor the paint with 13.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per contest.
Cleveland faces a deeper injury report, with Darius Garland out due to a right great toe sprain and Evan Mobley sidelined by a left calf strain. Max Strus remains unavailable following left foot surgery. De’Andre Hunter and Sam Merrill are listed as probable, while Luke Travers will not play as a G League two-way assignment.
Donovan Mitchell will need to lead the Cavaliers’ offense, averaging 29.5 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game.
The Lakers have recorded a 16-9 road record this season, while Cleveland holds a 16-11 home mark. Both teams sit fifth in their respective conferences.
