A highly anticipated NBA rematch between historic rivals, the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers, has been transformed into a stark test of roster depth and resilience. The clash, scheduled for December 6, 2025, at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, arrives not as a star-powered spectacle but as a survival challenge, with both teams navigating recent turbulence.
A Rivalry Overshadowed by Absences
The narrative for this game has shifted dramatically from nostalgia to concern, primarily due to a devastating wave of injuries crippling the Warriors. Entering the contest on a difficult 11-12 slide with six losses in their last eight games, Golden State desperately seeks stability. The Cleveland Cavaliers, holding a more solid 14-10 record, aim to maintain their momentum but must first overcome the distraction of pre-game injury rumours surrounding key players.
Contrary to the speculation, the Cavaliers received a significant pre-tip-off boost. Official league documentation confirmed that Cleveland submitted no injuries by game time, declaring a fully healthy roster. This places them in a commanding position against a Warriors squad drowning in medical reports.
Dissecting the Warriors' Brutal Injury List
The Golden State Warriors' injury report presents a dire picture for the team's prospects. A total of seven players are affected, with three ruled out and four carrying a questionable status. The most significant absence is franchise cornerstone Stephen Curry, who remains sidelined with a left quadriceps contusion suffered in late November. This marks his seventh consecutive missed game, stripping the team of its primary offensive engine.
He is joined on the out list by veteran big man Al Horford (right sciatic nerve irritation) and rookie Alex Toohey (left knee management). The questionable group is equally worrisome, featuring Jimmy Butler III (left knee), Draymond Green (right midfoot sprain), De’Anthony Melton (left knee), and Seth Curry (right toe soreness).
With their star power depleted, the Warriors will lean heavily on role players to stay competitive. Brandin Podziemski (averaging 12.3 points, 4.6 rebounds) and Moses Moody (11.8 points per game) are now thrust into central roles, especially during a demanding back-to-back road stretch.
Cavaliers' Health and Betting Outlook
With a clean bill of health, the Cleveland Cavaliers can unleash their full arsenal. Superstar guard Donovan Mitchell continues his electrifying season, pouring in 30.6 points per game with nearly four three-pointers a night. He is ably supported by the versatile Evan Mobley (19 points, 9.1 rebounds) and the steady wing scoring of De’Andre Hunter (16.5 points per game).
The stark contrast in team health is directly reflected in the betting markets. Sportsbooks have installed the Cleveland Cavaliers as 7.5–8 point favorites, with the total points line set between 227.5 and 228.5. This spread underscores the expectation that the Warriors' depleted roster will struggle to keep pace with Cleveland's firepower.
However, NBA chaos often breeds unexpected heroes. The stage is set for players like Podziemski or Moody to seize the moment and create highlight plays, particularly if any of Golden State's questionable players can suit up. The tip-off is at 7:30 PM ET, promising an unpredictable showdown where availability may prove more decisive than reputation.
