Cavaliers vs Suns: Injury-Riddled Showdown Set for January 30, 2026
The highly anticipated NBA matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Phoenix Suns on January 30, 2026, is poised to be a unique contest, as both franchises will be without several of their key starters. This game, scheduled to take place at the Suns' home court, will feature depleted rosters that could dramatically alter the typical dynamics between these two competitive teams.
Significant Absences for the Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers, despite boasting one of the league's best records this season, will enter this game severely shorthanded. The team will be missing two regular All-Star caliber players, which is expected to impact their performance significantly.
Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report vs the Phoenix Suns (January 30, 2026)
The Cavaliers' injury list is extensive, headlined by the absence of Evan Mobley due to a calf strain. Mobley's unavailability removes a crucial defensive anchor and interior presence from the lineup. Additionally, Darius Garland is sidelined with a toe injury, depriving the team of a primary ball handler and scorer.
- Max Strus is out with a foot injury, reducing the team's outside shooting options.
- Tristan Enaruna and Luke Travers are not active as they are on G League assignments.
With these absences, the bulk of the creation and scoring responsibilities will fall squarely on the shoulders of Donovan Mitchell. Inside the paint, Jarrett Allen will need to step up as the main rim protector and rebounder.
The likely starting lineup for Cleveland is projected to be Mitchell, Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, Dean Wade, and Allen. Notably, no Cleveland player is listed as questionable, indicating that this group is expected to take the floor.
Phoenix Suns Also Grappling with Injuries
The Phoenix Suns find themselves in a similar predicament, playing at home without their leading scorer. This adds an extra layer of challenge for the home team as they aim to secure a victory.
Phoenix Suns Injury Report vs Cleveland Cavaliers (January 30, 2026)
Devin Booker is missing from the Suns' lineup due to an ankle injury, which means the team loses its primary late-game shot maker. Furthermore, Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkić have both missed recent games and could remain out or be limited in their participation.
The backcourt depth is uncertain, with Collin Gillespie listed as questionable with a hand injury and Jalen Green dealing with a hamstring issue.
If Booker remains unavailable, Phoenix may opt for a starting lineup focused on defense and spacing, potentially featuring players such as Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, Josh Okogie, and Jordan Goodwin alongside an available center. In this scenario, the offensive load will largely be carried by Kevin Durant, who will be tasked with both scoring and creating opportunities on most possessions.
Historical Context and Season Performance
These two teams have a long-standing history, having played 124 regular-season games against each other. Phoenix holds the advantage with 72 wins, while Cleveland has secured 52 victories. Interestingly, they have never faced off in the playoffs.
In their most recent encounter earlier this season, Cleveland emerged victorious with a score of 129–113. While Phoenix has historically dominated the series, recent seasons have seen a more balanced rivalry as Cleveland has improved its roster and performance.
Season Performance Metrics
Cleveland Cavaliers:
- Record: High-win total, positioning them as a top-seed contender.
- Offensive Rating: Approximately 117.5, placing them in the top-10.
- Defensive Rating: Top-10 to top-15, with a strong interior defense.
- Net Rating: Among the league's best, clearly positive.
- Points per game: Mid-110s, largely driven by Donovan Mitchell's scoring prowess.
Phoenix Suns:
- Record: Solid mid-pack to upper-pack in the Western Conference.
- Offensive Rating: Approximately 115.8, around the league average.
- Defensive Rating: Slightly below league average.
- Net Rating: Near even to slightly positive.
- Points per game: Mid-110s when their top scorers are available.
Key On-Court Matchup and Potential Deciding Factors
With several starters sidelined, the spotlight will shift to the duel between Donovan Mitchell and Kevin Durant. Both players are expected to handle the ball frequently and take the majority of important shots. Cleveland's defense, which typically excels at protecting the paint, will rely heavily on Jarrett Allen and team defense in Mobley's absence.
Phoenix, on the other hand, will likely employ a strategy centered on shooting and spacing to draw Cleveland away from the rim. Additionally, the Suns are playing on the second night of a back-to-back, which could introduce fatigue as a factor, especially in the latter stages of the game.
The outcome of this contest may hinge on several key elements. If Cleveland can limit easy shots near the basket and force Phoenix into taking tougher jumpers, their defensive strength could give them a solid chance to secure a road victory. Conversely, if Phoenix manages to hit outside shots consistently and Durant scores efficiently in isolation, the home team could compensate for their missing pieces.
This game is anticipated to remain closely contested throughout. With both teams operating with shorter rotations, the contributions of role players and small plays could ultimately make the decisive difference in the final result.
