Los Angeles Lakers vs Cleveland Cavaliers: Injury Updates and Game Preview for January 28, 2026
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. This highly anticipated NBA matchup features two teams riding winning streaks, but both squads are grappling with significant injury concerns that could dramatically influence the outcome. The game marks the first meeting between these franchises this season, adding an extra layer of excitement for basketball enthusiasts.
Injury Report and Expected Lineups
The Los Angeles Lakers will be without two key rotation players. Austin Reaves continues to be sidelined with a left calf strain, missing his 17th consecutive game. His absence is particularly impactful as he averages 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, forcing stars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić to shoulder more offensive creation. Additionally, rookie wing Adou Thiero is out with a right MCL sprain, depleting the Lakers' perimeter depth. Fortunately, no Lakers players are listed as questionable for this contest.
On the other side, the Cleveland Cavaliers face a more extensive injury list. Evan Mobley is out with a left calf strain, removing a crucial defender and rebounder from their lineup. Darius Garland is also sidelined due to a right great toe sprain, creating a significant void in ball-handling and playmaking. De’Andre Hunter and Sam Merrill are listed as probable but may see limited minutes, further complicating Cleveland's rotation strategies.
Head-to-Head Analysis and Recent Form
Historically, the Lakers lead the all-time regular-season series against the Cavaliers with a record of 70–55 out of 125 meetings. Over the last 10 matchups, Los Angeles has secured six victories, and the rivalry has been evenly matched at 2–2 over the past three seasons, including the current campaign.
Entering this game, the Lakers boast a 28–17 record and have won three consecutive games, including an impressive road victory over the Chicago Bulls. Their away record stands at 14–9, showcasing their resilience on the road. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers hold a 28–20 record, placing them fifth in the Eastern Conference, and have also been on a hot streak with four straight wins.
Key Factors That Will Decide the Game
Several critical elements are poised to shape the outcome of this clash:
- Perimeter Defense: With Darius Garland out, the Cavaliers' perimeter defense will face a stern test against Luka Dončić's ball pressure and passing skills, which are likely to force defensive rotations. LeBron James can exploit mismatches from the post or in transition, putting additional strain on Cleveland's defense.
- Rebounding Battle: Despite Evan Mobley's absence, the Cavaliers are built to dominate the glass. Controlling rebounds, especially limiting the Lakers' offensive boards, will be essential for Cleveland to keep the score manageable and dictate a slower, half-court pace.
- Bench Contributions: Both teams will rely heavily on their supporting casts. The Lakers need consistent production from their reserves to complement their star players, while the Cavaliers require role players to step up if Hunter and Merrill have limited availability.
Team Comparison for the 2025–26 Season
A detailed comparison of the two teams reveals intriguing insights:
- Overall Record: Lakers at 28–17 (.622) vs. Cavaliers at 28–20 (.583).
- Offensive Rating: The Lakers rank in the top-10 with strong half-court and transition play, while the Cavaliers boast a potent offense driven by Donovan Mitchell.
- Points per Game: Lakers average approximately 117–119 points, slightly edging out the Cavaliers' 116–118.
- Rebounds per Game: Both teams are closely matched, with the Lakers around 43–44 and the Cavaliers at 44–45.
- Turnovers: The Lakers hover around the league average, whereas the Cavaliers generally exhibit controlled ball-handling.
- Defensive Rating: The Lakers are middle-of-the-pack, while the Cavaliers have a top-10 defense when at full strength.
Ultimately, the Lakers enter with the two best players on the court, but the Cavaliers possess home-court momentum and a clear strategic plan. The team that receives superior contributions from its supporting cast is likely to emerge victorious in this compelling NBA showdown.
