Cavs could be without Evan Mobley vs. Rudy Gobert, Timberwolves

After a humiliating loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers they ask that bounce on the road against the Minnesota Timberwolves. As mentioned earlier, The Thunder humiliated the Cavsdown nearly 42 points at one point. The Meanwhile, the Timberwolves won their last match against the New York Knicks, winning 116-99.

This will be the first of two games between Cleveland and Minnesota. Since both teams are in separate conferences, they only face each other twice a season. Both teams will next compete in Cleveland in mid-February. Last season, the Timberwolves and Cavs split the season series, so both teams will be looking to improve in this matchup. Unfortunately, both teams are dealing with injuries so health could be the deciding factor.

Who’s on the injury report for the Timberwolves vs. Cleveland?

Against the Cavs, Minnesota will be without Donte Di Vincenzo (finger), Jesse Edwards (NBA G League assignment), Tristen Newton (NBA G League assignment) and Terrence Shannon Jr. (foot).

DiVencenzo originally suffered the initial toe injury in the Timberwolves’ recent loss to the Golden State Warriors. Before hosting the Knicks, Minnesota coach Chris Finch said the team wasn’t sure if it was a day-to-day injury or something to worry about long-term. With DiVencenco unavailable, it will be his second game missed this year.

Shannon Jr., meanwhile, remains sidelined after suffering a foot injury while on assignment with the Iowa Wolves, the Timberwolves’ NBA G League affiliate. According to the team, Shannon’s return to action is two to four weeks. He will be re-evaluated by the medical staff two weeks after the injury. An update on its progress will be provided at that time.

The Cavs star could be out against Minnesota

For Cleveland, the Cavs will be without Emoni Bates and Luke Travers. Both players are on assignment with the Cleveland Charge, the Cavs’ NBA G League affiliate, which should come as no surprise. These players need opportunities on the court to grow and develop, something they don’t get regularly with the Cavs. Instead, they get these opportunities with the Charge, allowing them to grow and develop into players who can make a difference on the field for the premier club.

The worrisome names on Cleveland’s injury report include Evan Mobley and Isaac Okoro. After missing 32 games last season, Mobley missed just two games during the 2024-25 season. Not only that, but he also had the best year of his career. Mobley is averaging 18.6 points with 8.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks while shooting 42.1% from deep. If Mobley doesn’t suit up, Max Struss could return to the starting lineup, with Dean Wade sliding into the fourth spot. Georges Niang would likely see more action as well.

Okoro, meanwhile, was dealing with a nagging shoulder injury. The Cavs forward has already missed time this year because of it. However, with Okoro returning to game-time form, Cleveland could give him the night off against Minnesota to prevent him from re-aggravating the injury. Okoro and Mobley will be game-time decisions for the Cavs against the Timberwolves. It depends on how they feel, but if neither can play, Cleveland will have a tough time against Minnesota.