The Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, April 10, at State Farm Arena in a late-season Eastern Conference matchup. Both teams have already secured postseason spots, but several injuries will shape the rotation on both sides.
Cleveland enters the game with a 51-29 record and has won four straight games. Atlanta sits at 45-35 and is looking to rebound after consecutive losses, including a 122-116 defeat to the Cavaliers on April 8.
The biggest absence on Cleveland’s injury report is Donovan Mitchell. The All-Star guard, who averages 27.9 points and 5.7 assists per game, is listed out with right ankle injury management.
Jarrett Allen will also miss the game due to right knee injury management. The center is averaging 15.4 points and 8.5 rebounds while shooting 63.8% from the field, serving as the team’s primary rim finisher and defensive anchor.
Thomas Bryant is unavailable with a left calf strain, which further limits Cleveland’s frontcourt depth. Allen’s absence typically places more responsibility on Evan Mobley, who averages 18.3 points and 9.1 rebounds while protecting the rim and switching defensively.
Sam Merrill is also out because of left hamstring injury management. The guard has been an important perimeter threat this season, averaging 12.8 points while shooting 42.1% from three-point range.
Jaylon Tyson is listed as questionable with a bone bruise in his left great toe. Tyson averages 13.1 points and 5.1 rebounds and provides secondary scoring and wing defense in Cleveland’s rotation.
Despite the absences, the Cavaliers still feature experienced ball handlers such as James Harden and Dennis Schroder. Harden averages 20.6 points and 7.8 assists and has helped stabilize the offense when Mitchell is unavailable.
Atlanta’s injury report is shorter but still notable. Center Jock Landale is out with a right high ankle sprain. Landale has played a supporting role in the Hawks’ frontcourt rotation, averaging minutes off the bench behind Onyeka Okongwu. Okongwu, who averages 15.4 points and 7.6 rebounds, is expected to handle most of the center duties.
Two-way players RayJ Dennis and Keshon Gilbert are both listed as doubtful while assigned to the G League.
Atlanta’s offense continues to run through Jalen Johnson, who is averaging 22.6 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists. The forward has operated as the team’s primary playmaker while contributing across every statistical category.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker provides additional scoring punch, averaging 20.9 points per game while shooting 39.9% from three-point range. His perimeter scoring has helped balance the Hawks’ offensive attack.
Friday’s matchup marks the fourth meeting between the teams this season. Cleveland currently leads the series 2-1 after its six-point win earlier this week.
