Cavaliers face injury hurdles as Mobley and Mitchell prepare for Raptors rematch
On Halloween night, the Cleveland Cavaliers endured a challenging defeat against the Toronto Raptors, falling 112-101 in their inaugural game of the NBA Cup’s group stage. This matchup saw the Cavaliers without their star backcourt duo of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, along with starting center Jarrett Allen. The absence of Sam Merrill and the still-recovering Max Strus further complicated matters for Cleveland. The Raptors, too, faced their share of challenges, missing starting center Jakob Poeltl and several role players.
Despite the adversity, the Cavaliers fought valiantly until the final whistle. A spirited fourth-quarter push fell short as Jamison Battle delivered key three-pointers to extend Toronto’s lead beyond reach. Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter stood out for Cleveland, scoring 29 and 26 points, respectively. Both players are primed to build on their performances in the upcoming rematch against the Raptors.
Injury woes persist for the Cavaliers
Unfortunately for Cleveland, the injury woes persist. Darius Garland, who recently reinjured his toe, remains sidelined, while Max Strus continues his recovery from a Jones fracture. Additionally, guard Lonzo Ball is out for injury management, and Jalyon Tyson is dealing with a concussion. This leaves the Cavaliers with a thinner rotation as they prepare to face the Raptors again.
In contrast, Toronto’s injury report is relatively mild, with only former Cavs first-round pick Ochai Agbaji confirmed to be out. Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Murray-Boyles are listed as game-time decisions, adding an element of uncertainty to the Raptors’ lineup.
Depth players take center stage
With several key players unavailable, the Cavaliers will need to lean heavily on their depth. Craig Porter Jr. has emerged as a vital contributor, particularly with both Garland and Ball inactive. Porter Jr. is expected to play a significant role in the offense, mirroring his performance from the previous game against the Miami Heat.
The scarcity of healthy ball handlers may also see increased minutes for Tyrese Proctor, as the Cavaliers navigate this matchup against a familiar foe.
The Mobley-Barnes rivalry reignites
One of the most anticipated aspects of this matchup is the ongoing rivalry between Evan Mobley and Scottie Barnes. Both players were drafted in the same class, just one pick apart, and have frequently found themselves in the spotlight against one another. Their last encounter saw Mobley score 29 points, outpacing Barnes, who managed only 14. However, it was the Raptors who celebrated victory that night, a fact that undoubtedly fuels Cleveland’s desire for revenge.
As the Cavaliers aim to bounce back from their initial setback in the NBA Cup, the spotlight will be on Mobley to replicate his excellence and secure a win over Barnes. With Donovan Mitchell returning after missing the last contest due to a hamstring injury, the Cavaliers are looking to capitalize on his presence.
Game on the horizon
The Cavaliers are eager to build on their recent success against the Heat, aiming for a consecutive win as they take on the Raptors tonight. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET at Rocket Arena, marking the second night of a back-to-back for Cleveland. The stakes are high as they seek to avenge their earlier defeat and solidify their standing in the NBA Cup.
