The Cleveland Cavaliers are heading back into the Wells Fargo Center tonight, and if you were hoping for a full-strength lineup, I’ve got some bad news. It’s getting a bit thin. Specifically, the backcourt is looking more like a hospital ward than an NBA rotation.
The big story? Darius Garland is out. Again. This time it’s right great toe soreness. It’s not the same foot he had surgery on over the summer, which I guess is a silver lining, but it still leaves a massive void in the playmaking department. When you’re facing a Philadelphia 76ers team that likely has Joel Embiid and Paul George ready to go, losing your primary floor general is... well, it’s not ideal.
But look, the Cavs starting 5 tonight isn't just a "next man up" situation. It's an experiment in length and defensive versatility.
The Projected Cavs Starting 5 Tonight
Kenny Atkinson has been forced to get creative lately. With Sam Merrill also sidelined by a hand injury and Max Strus still weeks away from returning due to that nagging foot issue, the starting unit is going to look decidedly different than what we saw in November.
Honestly, expect to see this group taking the floor:
- Donovan Mitchell (Guard): He’s the engine. No Garland means Mitchell is going to have the ball in his hands almost every possession.
- Craig Porter Jr. (Guard): The steady hand. He’s proven he can handle the pressure, and with the injuries mounting, he’s the most logical choice to start alongside Spida.
- Jaylon Tyson (Forward): The rookie has been a revelation. He’s physical, he crashes the glass, and he isn't afraid of the moment.
- Evan Mobley (Forward): Coming off a monster game against Philly earlier this week, Mobley is the defensive linchpin.
- Jarrett Allen (Center): He’s got the hardest job in the building tonight—keeping Joel Embiid from living at the free-throw line.
It’s a group that lacks traditional spacing without Merrill or Garland, but they make up for it with sheer size and switchability.
Why the Backcourt Shuffling Changes Everything
When Darius Garland is on the floor, the Cavs play a very specific, rhythm-based style of basketball. He probes, he finds the shooters, and he lets Donovan Mitchell act as the ultimate "closer."
Tonight? That dynamic is dead.
Mitchell is basically going to have to be both the setup man and the finisher. We’ve seen him do it before, but against a Nick Nurse-led defense that loves to throw traps and junk zones at star players, it’s a tall order.
Craig Porter Jr. starting is a safe move. He doesn't turn the ball over much. He’s a "winning" player who does the dirty work. But he isn't a high-volume three-point threat, which means the 76ers are probably going to pack the paint and dare someone else to beat them from deep.
The Jaylon Tyson Factor
If you haven't been paying attention to Jaylon Tyson, tonight is the night to start. He’s been elevated due to the Sam Merrill injury, and he’s bringing a grit that this team sometimes misses.
He’s a 6'6" wing who plays like he’s 6'10". In the last matchup against Philly, he was a massive reason why the Cavs dominated the glass. He’s not just a filler; he’s becoming a legitimate piece of the core rotation. Expect him to be matched up against the likes of Paul George or Kelly Oubre Jr. for long stretches. It’s a trial by fire, but he’s shown he can handle the heat.
Can Mobley and Allen Repeat History?
The Cavs just beat Philadelphia 133-107 on Wednesday. That’s a beatdown.
Jarrett Allen was the MVP of that game in my book. He held Embiid in check, forcing him into tough shots without fouling. But doing that twice in three days against a former MVP is incredibly difficult.
The Cavs starting 5 tonight relies entirely on the "Twin Towers" holding down the fort. If Mobley can continue his aggressive offensive play—attacking the rim instead of settling for mid-range jumpers—it opens up the entire floor.
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Philly is favored by 2.5 points for a reason. They’re at home, and they’re healthier. The Cavs are 23-19 and sitting at 7th in the East. They need this win to stay out of the play-in muck.
Actionable Takeaways for Tonight’s Game
If you're watching or betting on the game, here is what actually matters beyond just the names on the jersey:
- Watch the Turnover Battle: Without Garland, the Cavs risk becoming stagnant. If Mitchell gets trapped, Porter Jr. or even Lonzo Ball off the bench must make quick decisions.
- Monitor the Minutes: Expect heavy minutes for the starters. Atkinson doesn't have a lot of trust in the deep bench right now with Dean Wade also out (knee).
- The Donovan Mitchell Over/Under: With no other primary scorers, Mitchell is likely to hunt his shot. Don’t be surprised if he puts up 30+ attempts.
- Defensive Communication: Philadelphia will try to exploit the Porter Jr./Mitchell backcourt size. The Cavs must rotate perfectly to help the smaller guards.
The game tips at 7:00 PM ET. It’s going to be a grind, but this "shorthanded" Cavs squad has a weird way of playing better when their backs are against the wall.
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Keep an eye on the official active list about 30 minutes before tip-off. While the starters mentioned above are the most likely candidates, Atkinson has been known to throw a curveball—like starting Lonzo Ball for extra playmaking—if he feels the offense is too stagnant in warmups.