Cleveland Cavaliers’ Struggles: Injuries and Setbacks Cast Doubt on Playoff Aspirations
The Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves grappling with a dramatic downturn this season, a stark contrast to their impressive performance just a year ago. After finishing the previous campaign with a mere 18 losses, the Cavs have already accumulated 12 defeats before the holiday season, signaling a troubling fall from grace. Despite this, there is a glimmer of hope as the team has nudged up one spot in NBA.com’s power rankings, as noted by writer John Schuhmann.
Mixed Results in Recent Games
Schuhmann highlighted the Cavs’ mixed bag of results, pointing out that they faced one of the league’s easier stretches in the NBA Cup. Yet, they have struggled mightily, trailing both the Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets by 17 points in recent outings. While the Cavaliers managed to rally and secure a win against the Wizards, they faltered in overtime against the Hornets, failing to score a single point.
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers are set to face the Chicago Bulls in two consecutive matchups, and they boast a solid track record against Chicago, having won 12 of their last 13 encounters. However, these games come at a time when the Cavs are still trying to navigate a challenging landscape marked by injuries.
Injury Woes Compound Challenges
Injuries have plagued the Cavaliers, with key players like Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen sidelined for significant stretches. Allen made his return after missing six games, but Mobley’s recent calf strain puts additional strain on the roster. Schuhmann noted that the Cavs’ core four players have shared just 57 minutes on the court together across four games this season. Compounding the issue, Darius Garland has been visibly hampered by injuries during critical moments, while Max Strus remains unavailable and Larry Nance Jr. has been out for the last seven games.
With the frontcourt thin, the Cavaliers opted for a smaller lineup in their last game, deploying four guards alongside Dean Wade instead of utilizing backup big Thomas Bryant, whose minutes have been limited with Allen back in the mix.
Hope on the Horizon
Despite these setbacks, there remains a path for the Cavaliers to regain their footing. If they can withstand the ongoing injury crisis, they stand to remain competitive in the playoff race. Should they return to health, the Cavs could prove to be a formidable opponent for any team they face in the postseason.
The upcoming tip-off against the Bulls is scheduled for Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET, set to take place at the United Center. Fans can catch the action on FanDuel Sports Network or via NBA League Pass as the Cavaliers look to turn their fortunes around.
