Cavaliers vs 76ers Injury Report: Who’s Out and How It Changes the Game

Cavaliers vs 76ers injury report: Key players out, stats & watch guide

The NBA’s Eastern Conference is a pressure cooker, and the January 14, 2026, showdown between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers was a prime example. With both teams hovering around the middle of the pack—Cleveland at 22-19 (7th) and Philadelphia at 22-16 (5th)—every game is a four-point swing . But before the opening tip, the Cavaliers vs 76ers injury report had already cast a long shadow over the contest.

Star power was on full display with Donovan Mitchell and Tyrese Maxey leading their squads, but the health of their supporting casts would prove decisive. Let’s dive into the critical details that every fan needs to know.

Table of Contents

Key Player Injuries: Cavs and Sixers

The Cavaliers vs 76ers injury report revealed significant concerns for Cleveland. The team was already without forward Dean Wade (knee) and guard Max Strus (foot), with both players ruled out well before game day . Adding to their woes, guard Darius Garland exited the game early with a right foot injury and did not return, a massive blow to their backcourt depth . Chris Livingston was also listed as out with a knee issue .

On the other side, the 76ers appeared to have a clean bill of health heading into the matchup. Their official injury report listed zero players as out or questionable, giving them a crucial advantage in terms of roster stability . This full-strength lineup was a key factor in their ability to execute their game plan, even if the final result didn’t go their way.

Star Power: Mitchell vs. Maxey

When healthy, this matchup is a duel between two of the league’s elite guards. Donovan Mitchell has been a scoring machine for the Cavaliers, averaging an impressive 29.8 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game this season . His ability to take over games was on full display, as he dropped 35 points in the eventual 133-107 victory for Cleveland .

For the 76ers, Tyrese Maxey has emerged as a bonafide superstar. He’s been even more prolific, posting averages of 30.9 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds across 35 games . This clash of titans is always a must-watch, and their head-to-head stats add another layer of intrigue to the rivalry .

How to Watch and Game Time

The game tipped off on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia . For fans looking to catch the action live, the game was broadcast nationally. For future matchups, be sure to check your local listings or streaming services like NBA League Pass.

Playoff Implications for the Eastern Conference

This wasn’t just another regular-season game. With the standings so tight, every win is critical for securing a favorable playoff seed. The Cavaliers’ dominant 133-107 victory on the road was a massive statement, pushing them closer to the top half of the conference .

The loss was a setback for the 76ers, who are fighting to maintain their position in the upper echelon of the East. In a conference where teams like Detroit are surging, consistency is paramount . The outcome of this game could have significant ripple effects as the season progresses toward its climax.

For more on the NBA’s intense playoff race, see our deep dive on [INTERNAL_LINK:eastern-conference-standings-analysis].

Conclusion

The Cavaliers vs 76ers injury report for January 14th told a story of imbalance. While Philadelphia entered at full strength, Cleveland had to overcome multiple absences, most notably the early exit of Darius Garland. Yet, Donovan Mitchell’s heroic performance proved that sometimes, a superstar can carry a team through adversity. As the Eastern Conference battle heats up, managing player health will be just as important as on-court talent.

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