Table toppers from the East and West collide as 1st seed in the Eastern Conference clashes with the second in the Western Conference. Yes, it’s time for the Cleveland Cavaliers to take on the Houston Rockets for the second time this week. Having lost to the Rockets earlier in the week the Cavs will be itching to get this one back. But will they be able to count on some of their key players like Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell? 

So let’s find out how both teams are faring in the injury department as they gear up to face other each for the second time this week. 

Cavs vs Rockets Injury Report – will Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley play on Saturday?

For starters, yes, Donovan Mitchell will play against the Houston Rockets. Even though his 37 points against the 76ers weren’t enough, he will be leading the Cavs against the Rockets, hopefully to victory this time. As for Evan Mobley, well, here’s where things get a little more complicated. 

With the Cavs not having submitted an injury report yet at the time of writing, his availability against the Rockets is up in the air. Although it’s most likely that Mobley will sit out the game against Houston. After all, he did miss the game against the 76ers last night so it’s unlikely that he’ll recover in time for tonight’s game. 

Aside from Mobley, Issac Okoro may also miss the Rockets game. His status was set to be re-evaluated at the start of January. But there have been no solid updates regarding his availability so far. So it is fair to assume that he may also be OUT on Saturday. To add to their woes, Dean Wade will also miss the Rockets game after injuring himself in the 76ers game. There is no timeline for his return yet.

The Houston Rockets, on the other hand, have submitted an injury report ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers clash. In a stroke of good fortune, not many players are on the report. However, one key player mentioned in it is the Rockets’ forward, Jabari Smith Jr. He is confirmed to be OUT of the starting lineup due to a left metacarpal fracture that will keep him sidelined for another 2-3 weeks.

Aside from Jabari Smith Jr., N’Faly Dante, and Jack McVeight are OUT of the Cavs game. They have G-League obligations owing to their two-way contracts. 

Houston Rockets vs Cleveland Cavaliers – predicted starting lineup and depth chart

Even though the Cavaliers’ injury situation is not all that dire, they will still miss a few players during the Rockets game. So here’s how they may line up on Saturday given the absentees:

The Rockets are only missing Jabari Smith Jr., but they should be able to make do without him against the Cavs. So here’s how they may line up without him:

The deck seems a little stacked against the Cavs in this game. They are missing a few key players as well as depth in their lineup. The Rockets are set to pose a tough test. However, if anyone can get it done, it’s the team with the best record in the NBA this season!