Overview
- Lonzo Ball said he will sit back-to-backs and start the season on a minutes cap, with coach Kenny Atkinson praising his feel and fit.
- Darius Garland is still rehabbing from June toe surgery and was limited to light individual work this week, putting his availability for the opener in doubt.
- If Garland cannot go against the Knicks, Ball is positioned to start at point guard to open the regular season.
- NBA teams are monitoring Cleveland’s start because Jarrett Allen could be available for the right mix of rotation players, per Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix.
- Reports highlight steep luxury-tax and second‑apron constraints that restrict Cleveland’s flexibility, creating potential financial incentives to shed salary.