Cleveland Cavaliers Optimistic After Victory Over Clippers: Full Roster Expected Against Detroit
Following an impressive 118-108 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, the Cleveland Cavaliers are basking in optimism. With a triumph over one of the NBA’s top teams, the Cavs are now entering a less challenging phase of their schedule, commencing with a home matchup against the Detroit Pistons. Crucially, as Cleveland enters this brief respite amidst the grueling 82-game season, they anticipate having a fully healthy roster against Detroit.
Heading into the game against the Pistons, the Cavs will be missing Emoni Bates (assigned to the NBA G League), Ty Jerome (recovering from ankle surgery), Isaiah Mobley (assigned to the NBA G League), and Tristan Thompson, who is serving the third game of a 25-game suspension following a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs. However, with Evan Mobley back alongside Jarrett Allen, the absence of Thompson is not a significant concern for Cleveland as the season progresses.
Jerome’s prolonged absence from on-court action was unforeseen. Despite several attempts to expedite his recovery, each effort resulted in setbacks due to his ankle’s unresponsiveness. Frustrated by the slow progress, the Cavs and Jerome explored various treatment options, including an immobilizing cast in late November, before ultimately opting for surgery earlier this week. There is currently no timetable for Jerome’s return to basketball activities; he will remain sidelined indefinitely.
The pivotal return of Darius Garland further solidifies Cleveland’s roster. Garland, who missed over a month due to a fractured jaw, is a game-time decision for the matchup against Detroit. While it remains unclear if Garland, like Mobley, will face a minute restriction, reports suggest that his return to action is anticipated.
For the first time in almost two months, Cleveland’s rotation is complete. As the hottest team in basketball, JB Bickerstaff’s squad is poised to dominate the Eastern Conference. The last time the Cavs featured their full starting lineup, comprising Garland, Mobley, Allen, Max Strus, and Donovan Mitchell, was in early December in a 121-111 victory over the Orlando Magic. Despite not having their complete starting lineup for 25 games, Cleveland has managed an impressive 17-8 record during that stretch, with multiple role players stepping up in each win.
While Garland’s return may lead to reduced minutes for some role players, it doesn’t necessitate wholesale changes. Instead, the Cavaliers’ rotation against Detroit and beyond, when the core lineup is healthy, will likely resemble:
PG: Darius Garland, Caris LeVert, Craig Porter Jr.
SG: Donovan Mitchell, Isaac Okoro, Sam Merrill
SF: Max Strus, Dean Wade
