Cavaliers will play Mavericks without entire usual starting lineup

The Cleveland Cavaliers will take to the court against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday without their complete starting lineup. Four players are listed as inactive and will not participate in the game due to travel difficulties experienced after returning to Cleveland. Shooting guard Donovan Mitchell suffered a left knee bruise, point guard James Harden faced a left calf injury, small forward Peyton Watson had a right hamstring strain, and center Jarrett Allen struggled with a right knee issue.

All four players participated in Friday's NBA Cup contest against the Miami Heat, but they were ruled out for Saturday's match. Power forward Evan Mobley missed his second consecutive game because of a left big toe sprain sustained on Wednesday. Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged the challenges posed by the players' absence and stated that his team will compete and strive to please the fans.

The Cavaliers' ground halt on Friday led to their team remaining in South Florida following their game, and a subsequent flight home to Cleveland on Saturday morning. With numerous travelers still stranded in airports due to rescheduling, Atkinson avoided criticizing the team's travel issues. He emphasized that their predicament could have been much worse, expressing gratitude for making it back to a hotel after the game in Miami and arriving at their destination early.

Starting lineup for Saturday's game includes Mario Hezonja, Thomas Bryant, Jaylon Tyson, Tyrese Proctor, and rookie Meleek Thomas.