Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Washington Wizards vs Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report and Predicted Starting Lineups- Latest Updates on Khris Middleton, Max Strus, and More Ahead of Friday’s Face-Off

Cavaliers share updates on Max Strus' and others' injuries ahead of Friday's face off against Sixers.

Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The Washington Wizards will be up against the Cleveland Cavaliers for an NBA 2025-26 regular-season clash on Friday, December 12. Meeting for the second time in the ongoing season, their previous encounter saw the Cavaliers recording a blowout win over their rivals. Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell dropped combined 44 points to guide the side to an easy win over the Wizards. In the upcoming game, they will aim to extend their dominance, while their rivals will aim for a revenge.

The hosts will head into the game on the back of a three-game losing skid. In their most-recent fixture, they slumped to the Atlanta Hawks. On the other hand, the Cleveland Cavaliers, too, have been showing struggles off late. In their most-recent game, they slumped to the Golden State Warriors 99-94. Notably, both teams are coming off losses, and will definitely aim to find their lost momentum.

With that said, let’s get into the listed injuries as well as predicted starting lineups for both the teams.

Washington Wizards vs Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report

Given below is a complete breakdown of injury reports and expected starting lineups for Washington Wizards vs Cleveland Cavaliers, scheduled on Friday.

Washington Wizards’ Injuries

Player	Position	Injury	Status
Khris Middleton	SF	Knee	Out
Malaki Branham	SG	Thumb	Questionable
Alex Sarr	C	Thigh	Out
Bilal Coulibaly	SF	Oblique	Out
Corey Kispert	SG	Thumb	Out

Khris Middleton will be out for a second straight game on Friday with a sore right knee.

Malaki Branham has been listed as questionable for Friday’s game with a right thumb sprain.

Alex Sarr will be out on Friday due to a thigh injury.

Bilal Coulibaly suffered a right oblique strain last week. He is out for the upcoming game against the Cavs.

Corey Kispert was sidelined indefinitely after he broke the tip of his right thumb last month.

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Injuries

Player	Position	Injury	Status
Jarrett Allen	C	Finger	Out
Sam Merrill	SG	Hand	Out
Max Strus	SG	Foot	Out
Larry Nance Jr.	PF	Calf	Out

Jarrett Allen has been dealing with a finger injury and has missed five games. He will be out on Friday as well.

Sam Merrill injured his wrist in last month’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Max Strus underwent surgery to repair a fracture in his left foot in August this year. He is listed as out for Friday’s game.

Larry Nance Jr. was diagnosed with Grade 1 right soleus (calf) strain and was sidelined for three-to-four weeks.

Washington Wizards vs Cleveland Cavaliers Predicted Starting Lineups

Washington Wizards: Kyshawn George, Justin Champagnie, Marvin Bagley III, Bub Carrington, CJ McCollum

Cleveland Cavaliers: Jaylon Tyson, De’Andre Hunter, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell

Cleveland Cavaliers

Washington Wizards

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.