Image Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers Injury Report and Predicted Starting Lineups- Fresh Update on Darius Garland as Cavs Host Pacers on Friday

Cavaliers share positive update on Darius Garland ahead of Friday's game.

Image Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers will be up against the Indiana Pacers in an NBA Cup group stage game on November 21, at home, Rocket Arena. The hosts will head into the game on the back of a loss to the Houston Rockets. In their last NBA Cup game, the Cavaliers recorded a blowout win over the Washington Wizards. While they are 10-6 in the regular-season standings, their in-season tournament tally is split in 1-1.

Facing them will be the Indiana Pacers, who finally ended their eight-game losing streak and recorded their second win of the season. The Pacers defeated the Charlotte Hornets in their most recent gameplay. However, talking about their campaign in the NBA Cup, the reigning NBA Finalists have only played one game so far, which turned into a loss.

Both teams would aim to add victories to their NBA Cup tally, and while it is expected to be a lopsided game, the Pacers’ only two wins have come against stronger teams. Moreover, they will head into the game with confidence.

Having said that, let’s have a look at injury updates and absentees for both teams.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers Injury Report

Given below is the complete breakdown of injury reports and predicted starting lineups for Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers.

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Injuries

Player	Position	Injury	Status
Sam Merrill	SG	Hand	Out
Jarrett Allen	C	Finger	Questionable
Darius Garland	PG	Toe	Questionable
Jaylon Tyson	SF	Concussion	Questionable
Max Strus	SG	Foot	Out

Sam Merrill, who was listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game due to a hand injury in the win over the Milwaukee Bucks, has been listed as out.

Jarrett Allen is listed as questionable for Friday’s game against the Pacers. He has been playing through a non-displaced fracture in his right third finger.

Darius Garland, who has been dealing with a toe injury that kept him out for some of the playoffs and required an offseason surgery, has been listed as questionable. However, the Cavs are hopeful that Garland would be back in action, as per Shams Charania.

Jaylon Tyson is close to his return from a concussion he suffered during the loss to the Miami Heat. He is listed as questionable.

Max Strus suffered a left foot fracture, which required him to undergo a surgery in August this year. However, per reports, he could be back in action soon.

Indiana Pacers’ Injuries

Player	Position	Injury	Status
Quenton Jackson	SG	Hamstring	Out
Johnny Furphy	SG	Ankle	Out
Aaron Nesmith	SG	Knee	Out
Kam Jones	PG	Back	Out
Obi Toppin	PG	Foot	Out
Tyrese Haliburton	PG	Achilles	Out for season

Quenton Jackson is dealing with a strained hamstring, and he will be out for the ninth straight game.

Johnny Furphy is listed as out for the ninth game in a row with an ankle sprain.

Aaron Nesmith continues to remain out with a left knee injury.

Kam Jones is sidelined with a back injury.

Obi Toppin has been diagnosed with a partial stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. He is expected to return in February next year.

Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has been ruled out for the entire 2025-26 season.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers Predicted Starting Lineups

Cleveland Cavaliers: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, De’Andre Hunter, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley

Indiana Pacers: Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, Ben Sheppard, Pascal Siakam, Isaiah Jackson

Cleveland Cavaliers

Darius Garland

Indiana Pacers

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.