Cavaliers vs Pacers Injury Report: Can Cleveland Capitalize on Indiana’s Shorthanded Squad?

Cavaliers vs Pacers injury report: Who’s out and where to watch

The NBA grind doesn’t stop for anyone, but on January 6, 2026, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers are walking into their matchup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse looking more like MASH units than championship contenders. The Cavaliers vs Pacers injury report reads like a who’s who of critical absences, setting the stage for a fascinating chess match that will test coaching acumen and bench depth to the limit.

For Cleveland, this is a golden opportunity to solidify their spot in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. But with their own stars sidelined, they can’t afford to take a depleted Pacers squad lightly. Indiana, despite a long injury list, will be fighting for every inch on their home court. So, who’s actually suiting up for this crucial midweek battle? Let’s break it all down.

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Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report: Key Absences

The Cavaliers, known for their stifling defense, are missing a cornerstone of that unit. All-Star center Evan Mobley is listed as out with a lingering ankle sprain that has kept him sidelined for the past several games. His absence is a massive blow; Mobley is their primary rim protector, rebounding force, and a key component of their half-court offense with his elite passing for a big man.

His absence forces head coach Kenny Atkinson to get creative. Expect to see a lot of Isaiah Stewart and Jarrett Allen sharing the frontcourt, a pairing that offers toughness and rebounding but less of the dynamic playmaking Mobley provides. This shift could slow down Cleveland’s offensive pace and put more pressure on their guards to create.

On the wing, veteran sharpshooter Max Strus is also questionable with a minor knee issue. While he may be a game-time decision, his absence would further thin out Cleveland’s already inconsistent perimeter shooting. His floor-spacing is crucial to prevent defenses from collapsing on Donovan Mitchell in the paint.

Indiana Pacers Injury Report: A Decimated Roster

If Cleveland’s injury report is concerning, Indiana’s is downright alarming. The Pacers are missing a staggering number of their core rotation players, turning their “next man up” philosophy into a necessity.

The most significant loss is franchise cornerstone Tyrese Haliburton. The All-NBA point guard remains out indefinitely with a hamstring strain, leaving a massive void in Indiana’s engine room. Without his elite playmaking, court vision, and three-point shooting, the Pacers’ league-leading offense from last season struggles to find its rhythm.

The injury carnage doesn’t stop there. Key contributors are also on the shelf:

  • Pascal Siakam (knee management) – Their primary scoring option in the post.
  • Myles Turner (back spasms) – Their defensive anchor and elite shot-blocker.
  • Andrew Nembhard (groin) – A critical secondary ball-handler and defender.

This leaves the Pacers dangerously thin, especially in the frontcourt and at the point of attack. Head coach Rick Carlisle will be forced to rely heavily on unproven rookies and deep bench pieces, a recipe for inconsistency against a disciplined Cavaliers team.

Lineup Implications and X-Factors

With so many stars out, this game will be decided by role players who are suddenly thrust into starring roles.

For the Cavaliers, the pressure falls squarely on Donovan Mitchell. He will need to carry an enormous offensive load, but he’ll be a magnet for double-teams. The X-factor here is Darius Garland. With more space to operate, can he rediscover his form as a primary scorer and distributor to take the pressure off Mitchell?

For the Pacers, all eyes will be on rookie sensation Jarace Walker and veteran Obi Toppin. Walker has shown flashes of two-way potential, and this is his chance to prove he can be a reliable starter. Toppin, known for his high-flying dunks, will need to show he can be a consistent scoring threat in the half-court without Haliburton to set him up.

Another critical battle will be on the boards. With Mobley and Turner out, rebounding could be a free-for-all. Whichever team wins the rebounding margin will likely control the game’s tempo and create more second-chance opportunities.

Where to Watch: Broadcast and Streaming Info

You won’t want to miss this shorthanded showdown. Here’s how you can catch all the action:

The game tips off at 7:00 PM ET on Monday, January 6, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

  • TV Broadcast: Bally Sports Ohio (CLE), Bally Sports Indiana (IND), and NBA TV (National).
  • Streaming: You can stream the game live via the Bally Sports app (with a cable login), NBA League Pass, or through your local streaming TV provider like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or FuboTV.

For more on how to cut the cord and still catch every NBA game, check out our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:best-nba-streaming-services-2026].

Game Prediction and What to Watch For

On paper, this looks like a prime opportunity for the Cleveland Cavaliers to steal a road win. Their core, while missing Mobley, is still more intact than Indiana’s decimated roster. Cleveland’s defensive identity should be able to contain a Pacers offense that is missing its primary creator and its most efficient scorer.

However, the NBA is rarely that simple. Home-court advantage is real, and the Pacers’ young players could be playing with house money, free from the pressure of expectations. If Walker and Toppin get hot from three, they could keep Indiana in the game.

What to watch for: The pace of the game. The Pacers want to run, but without their key ball-handlers, they may be forced into a slower, half-court slog—which plays directly into Cleveland’s defensive strengths.

Conclusion: A Battle of Resilience

The Cavaliers vs Pacers injury report for January 6, 2026, tells a story of two teams at a crossroads. Cleveland is looking to prove its resilience and playoff mettle without its defensive lynchpin, while Indiana is trying to avoid a complete collapse in the absence of its entire starting five. This isn’t just a game about who wins or loses; it’s a critical test of organizational depth, coaching strategy, and the mental toughness of role players suddenly asked to lead. In the brutal marathon of an NBA season, nights like this often define a team’s character.

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