Cavs list multiple key players on injury report versus the 76ers

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 22: LeBron James #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers react during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers are dealing with various setbacks, as roughly half of their usual rotation is on the injury report for their game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Jarrett Allen, who banged knees with OKC’s Jared McCain last night, is questionable to play with a right knee contusion. The Cavs will sorely miss their two-way anchor if he isn’t available. Cleveland leans heavily on Allen to steady the ship on both ends of the floor.

Peyton Watson is also listed as questionable. Watson has missed the previous two games for Cleveland with a hamstring strain. This is the type of injury that you don’t want to rush, as pushing a hamstring too far can be a slippery slope.

Watson is still searching for his ideal role with the Cavs. An injury like this doesn’t make it any easier to navigate a new system.

Tyrese Proctor also picked up an injury in Oklahoma City when he landed on another player’s foot. Proctor is listed as questionable with an ankle sprain for tomorrow, and he had just started to hit his stride after starting in his first game of the season against the Thunder.

That’s the last of the questionables.

Jaylon Tyson will miss his fourth straight game with an ankle injury. The Cavs would love his secondary creation and defensive intensity sooner rather than later. But for now, they’ll have to survive without it.

Nae’Qwan Tomlin (low back stress reaction), Khalifa Diop (G League) and Ernest Udeh Jr. (G League) are also listed as out. Riley Minix, who was previously on a two-way contract with Cleveland, was waived by the team today.

This leaves the Cavs looking paper-thin against a 76ers team that erased the best of them on opening night. It’s not ideal, but that’s life in the NBA.

Cleveland will need big performances from Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Evan Mobley — while finding additional support from an unlikely hero off the bench. Perhaps Mario Hezonja or rookie Meleek Thomas can continue their strong stretch of games to provide the help they need. A hot-shooting game from Sam Merrill would also be nice.

Tip-off is at 7:30 PM.