Cavs Host Rockets in Matchup of Houston’s Top Offense vs. Mitchell-Led Cleveland

Overview

• The game is set for Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. EST at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, with coverage on ESPN and regional outlets.
• Houston enters 9-3 after a 117-113 overtime win over Orlando, while Cleveland stands at 10-5 with strong home form.
• Cleveland lists Darius Garland (toe), Max Strus (foot) and Jaylon Tyson (concussion) as out, tightening the rotation around Donovan Mitchell.
• Houston’s report lists Fred VanVleet as out and Jabari Smith Jr. as questionable, though one outlet alternatively describes VanVleet as out for the season with an ACL injury, a discrepancy not resolved in the coverage.
• Projected starters: Cavaliers—Donovan Mitchell, Sam Merrill, De’Andre Hunter, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen; Rockets—Amen Thompson, Josh Okogie, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, with Houston’s offensive rating ranked No. 1 and defensive rating third.