Cavaliers Host Spurs in Injury-Tested Matchup

Cleveland, Ohio - The Cleveland Cavaliers, grappling with a wave of injuries, will host the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night in a matchup that tests both teams' depth amid roster challenges. The Cavaliers enter with a 13-10 record after dropping four of their last five games, while the Spurs sit at 15-6, having won seven of their past nine contests despite missing their star center.

The game, set for 7:30 p.m. at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, highlights the injury toll on both sides. For the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama remains sidelined with a left calf strain that has kept him out since November 14. The 7-foot-4 rookie, averaging career highs of 26.2 points and 12.9 rebounds, leaves a significant void in the frontcourt defense and scoring. Rookie guard Stephon Castle is also out with a left hip flexor strain sustained on November 16, and backup guard Jordan McLaughlin is unavailable due to a left hamstring strain. Center Luke Kornet is listed as questionable with left ankle soreness after starting in Wembanyama's place and blocking a potential game-winner in a recent victory over Orlando.

The Cavaliers face an even more depleted lineup, with seven players already ruled out and...