The Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder will enter their Sunday clash at the Paycom Center with absences on both sides.
Cleveland will be without Max Strus, sidelined with a left foot Jones fracture, alongside two-way players Tristan Enaruna and Riley Minix.
Oklahoma City faces a deeper injury log, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alex Caruso, and Jalen Williams all out due to strains and sprains. Thomas Sorber continues recovering from right ACL surgery, while Ajay Mitchell also misses the game with abdominal and ankle issues.
Donovan Mitchell, averaging 28.8 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.4 rebounds this season, will likely shoulder a heavier offensive load for the Cavs. Evan Mobley’s 17.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game remain central to Cleveland’s frontcourt production. Jarrett Allen adds 14.9 points and 8.4 rebounds per outing, anchoring the team inside.
The Thunder will rely on Chet Holmgren, who contributes 17.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, to counter Cleveland’s frontcourt. Luguentz Dort provides perimeter defense while averaging 8.7 points, and Cason Wallace contributes 8.1 points alongside 3.1 rebounds per contest.
Cleveland comes off back-to-back wins, including a 118-113 road victory over the Charlotte Hornets on February 20, extending their winning streak to seven.
Oklahoma City is 6-4 in their last ten, having won 105-86 against the Brooklyn Nets on February 20, after a 93-110 home loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on February 12.
This matchup follows an earlier season meeting in January, where the Thunder dominated 136-104 at Cleveland.
The Cavaliers, fourth in the Eastern Conference at 36-21, are riding momentum from a seven-game win streak. The Thunder hold a 43-14 record, leading the Western Conference.
