Overview
- Marc Stein reports growing chatter in coaching circles that Atkinson’s job is under heightened scrutiny.
- Cleveland is 15–14 after dropping eight of its last 11, placing the team in play-in territory.
- A source cited by Stein believes Gilbert’s frustration is unlikely to prompt a swift coaching move.
- Injuries have limited continuity, with Darius Garland appearing in 13 games and Jarrett Allen missing 11, and the core quartet has logged only 127 possessions together with elite results in that small sample.
- League talk has turned to potential roster moves before the Feb. 5 deadline, with inquiries reported on Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen while Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley are viewed as far less available.