Cavaliers Host League-Best Thunder in MLK Day Showdown Amid Injury Concerns
CLEVELAND, January 19, 2026 – The Cleveland Cavaliers (24-19), riding a two-game win streak, face their toughest test of the season as they host the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder (35-8) this afternoon at Rocket Arena. The marquee Martin Luther King Jr. Day matchup comes as the Cavaliers navigate significant backcourt injuries, with star guard Darius Garland sidelined for at least a week.
Injury Report Casts Shadow Over Key Matchup
The Cavaliers will be severely shorthanded against the Western Conference powerhouse. Two-time All-Star point guard Darius Garland has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 sprain of his right great toe and will be re-evaluated in 7-to-10 days. Sharpshooter Sam Merrill (hand) has also been ruled out for Monday’s contest. On a positive note, forward Dean Wade (knee) is listed as probable and is expected to return to the starting lineup after a five-game absence.
Garland’s absence thrusts more responsibility onto Donovan Mitchell and creates opportunities for reserves like Craig Porter Jr. and Jaylon Tyson, who is coming off a career-best performance.
Jaylon Tyson’s Breakout Fuels Recent Success
The Cavaliers’ recent momentum is largely thanks to the emergence of second-year wing Jaylon Tyson. In Friday’s thrilling 117-115 road victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, Tyson exploded for a career-high 39 points on an efficient 13-of-17 shooting, including 7-of-9 from three-point range. He capped his night by assisting Evan Mobley on the game-winning dunk with 4.8 seconds remaining.
“This one felt bigger than a single night,” one report noted, highlighting Tyson’s performance as a potential turning point. Over his last four games, Tyson is averaging 23.3 points, showcasing the scoring punch Cleveland desperately needs with Garland out.
Eastern Conference Playoff Picture
Despite a roller-coaster season, the Cavaliers sit in 5th place in the Eastern Conference with a 24-19 record, just 1.5 games behind the 4th-seeded Toronto Raptors. Their offense ranks 3rd in the NBA at 120.0 points per game, though their defense (117.4 points allowed, 21st) remains a concern. The team has won seven of its last ten games, indicating a positive trend as they approach the season’s midpoint.
Key Facts: Cavaliers vs. Thunder
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Date & Time | Monday, January 19, 2026 | 2:30 PM ET |
| Location | Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH |
| TV Broadcast | NBC / Peacock |
| Cavaliers Record | 24-19 (5th in East, 2nd in Central Division) |
| Thunder Record | 35-8 (1st in West, 1st in Northwest Division) |
| Cavaliers Key Absences | Darius Garland (toe), Sam Merrill (hand), Max Strus (foot) |
| Recent Form | Cavaliers: W2 | Thunder: L1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Darius Garland expected to be out?
The Cavaliers announced that Garland has a Grade 1 right great toe sprain and will be re-evaluated in 7-to-10 days. This timeline suggests he will miss at least the next five games, with a return likely in late January.
Who will start in place of the injured Cavaliers guards?
With Darius Garland out, Craig Porter Jr. started the last game and is expected to see significant minutes. Donovan Mitchell will handle primary ball-handling duties. Dean Wade’s probable return will also affect the rotation, potentially moving Jaylon Tyson back to a bench role.
What is at stake for the Cavaliers in this game?
While a single January game against the league’s best team may not define their season, a competitive performance—or even an upset win—would provide a massive confidence boost and solidify their positive recent trajectory as they fight for playoff positioning in the East.