Cleveland Cavaliers face injury woes as NBA power rankings take a hit
The Cleveland Cavaliers are grappling with an early-season injury crisis that has sent their NBA power rankings into a downward spiral. With a record of 4-3, the Cavs find themselves slightly below the expectations set at the season’s outset, where they were seen as potential frontrunners in the Eastern Conference.
Injury Impact on Performance
The injury struggles have intensified recently, complicating the team’s efforts to find a rhythm. Key players such as Darius Garland and Max Strus remain sidelined, while the injury list continues to grow. Jarrett Allen is nursing a finger injury, Sam Merrill is dealing with a hip issue, and Donovan Mitchell’s hamstring problem kept him off the court during the team’s recent loss to the Toronto Raptors. These setbacks have not only hindered individual performances but have also disrupted team cohesion.
According to NBA.com analyst John Schuhmann, the Cavaliers have slipped to the eighth spot in this week’s power rankings—three places lower than the previous week. The teams now ranked above the Cavs include the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, and Oklahoma City Thunder. The rankings reflect a team struggling to maintain its footing amid adversity.
Bench Depth in Question
The Cavaliers’ depth has been significantly affected by the injuries. With starters missing time, the bench—previously a strength—has faltered, currently ranking 25th in the league, a stark contrast to their third-place finish last season. Larry Nance Jr. has been particularly underwhelming, shooting just 12-for-39, including a dismal 1-for-9 performance during a recent start. His struggles have compounded the challenges faced by the Cleveland offense.
Upcoming Opportunities
Despite the early setbacks, the Cavaliers still have ample time to recover and reclaim their position among the Eastern Conference elite. Over the coming weeks, they face a demanding schedule, with three stretches of five games in seven days on the horizon. Their first challenge begins Friday with an NBA Emirates Cup matchup against the Washington Wizards, a team the Cavs have historically dominated, winning their last 12 encounters.
Before they have a shot at extending that winning streak, the Cavaliers will host Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers for a pivotal game on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action on FanDuel Sports Network Ohio or via NBA League Pass. The upcoming games could prove crucial for a team eager to shake off the injury fog and start climbing back up the power rankings.
