Cleveland Cavaliers

Things looked bleak in December for the 2023-24 Cavaliers. Mired in a three-game losing streak, Cleveland announced two starters, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, would miss significant time due to injury. However, Garland, out with jaw fracture, and Mobley, sidelined following knee surgery, could only watch as their teammates won 14 of the next 18 games, including an 8-game winning streak. The eventual returns of their injured stars resulted in another 9-game winning streak, propelling the team to a top-4 finish in the Eastern Conference.

Still the injuries persisted into the postseason with Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, and Caris Levert all missing action in the playoffs, making it difficult to contend with the Celtics. The front office showed they remain confident in the group, reupping with Mitchell, Allen, and Mobley in the offseason.

The core appears healthy but they enter the new season a bit short-handed. Max Strus suffered a moderate ankle sprain in practice and will be out at least six weeks. Two-way player Emoni Bates will also miss time following surgery to address a meniscus tear in his right knee. Look for Senior Director of Player and Head Athletic Trainer Steve Spiro to lead a medical unit hoping for a bounce back season in 2024.