CLEVELAND — For much of this season, the Cavaliers have been shorthanded due to injuries, clunky on offense and disappointing on defense. The Cavs have often lacked the requisite intensity and competitive level expected from a team with legitimate NBA title aspirations.
The season is still young, but the Cavs are tired of failing to click. They will have a chance to build momentum in back-to-back home games on Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 against the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors, both of whom are banged up like Cleveland.
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First up is a date with the Spurs. Tip-off for Cavs (13-10) versus Spurs (15-6) occurred at 7:40 p.m. at Rocket Arena. Check below for updates throughout the game.
Below is some pregame information.
Cavaliers vs. San Antonio Spurs injury report. Darius Garland and Victor Wembanyama are among players ruled out
The Cavs have ruled out six players for their Dec. 5 game against the Spurs. They are starting point guard Darius Garland (left big toe injury management), starting center Jarrett Allen (right third finger strain), shooting guard Sam Merrill (right hand sprain), small forward Max Strus (left foot surgery), rookie point guard Tyrese Proctor (personal reasons) and forward/center Larry Nance Jr. (right calf strain).
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Cavs starting forward Evan Mobley (illness) was listed as questionable to face the Spurs, but the Cavaliers announced he will play.
Cavs news: NBA fines Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland missed game vs. Raptors
The Spurs have a lengthy injury report, too.
The Spurs ruled out center Victor Wembanyama (left calf strain), guard Stephon Castle (left hip flexor strain), center/forward Luke Kornet (left ankle soreness), guard Jordan McLaughlin (left hamstring strain), forward Harrison Ingram (two-way contract) and forward Riley Minix (two-way contract).
Cavs starting lineup vs. Spurs
The Cavs announced the following players will start for them against the Spurs:
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Nov 17, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) celebrates his three-point basket in the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Cleveland Cavs will use City Edition uniforms and court vs. Spurs
For the second time this season, the Cavs will use this season’s City Edition uniform and specially designed City Edition home court.
Here is how the Cavs explained in a news release the inspiration for their 2025-26 City Edition presentation:
“This year’s City Edition uniform inspires fans to reconnect with Cleveland’s culture and heritage through Nike’s NBA City Edition Remix campaign, where the iconic “Land” uniform returns with a bold, reimagined look. Building on the Cavaliers’ celebrated 2022-23 City Edition — which paid tribute to the Lake Erie coastline and Cleveland Metroparks’ 25,000 acres of protected greenspace, and introduced fans to “The Land” design — this year’s remix revives that story with fresh colors and details. Inspired by Cleveland Metroparks’ role as the guardian of Northeast Ohio’s natural beauty, the uniform captures the hues of Cleveland’s sunsets and fall foliage.”
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr. drives to the basket against the Milwaukee Bucks on Nov. 17, 2025, in Cleveland.
The Cavs are scheduled to wear their City Edition uniforms four more times this season. These are the games:
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7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 22 vs. Charlotte Hornets
7 p.m., Monday, Jan. 26 vs. Orlando Magic
8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 24 vs. New York Knicks
8 p.m., Tuesday, March 24 vs. Orlando Magic
Cavaliers news: First quarter of Cavs’ regular season bombarded with injuries
Nov 17, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Lonzo Ball (2) shoots in the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
How can I watch, stream Cavs game tonight vs. Spurs? How can I listed to Cavaliers game on radio?
The local TV broadcast of Cavs vs. Spurs can be viewed via FanDuel Sports Network — Ohio. The radio broadcast can be heard locally via WTAM (1100-AM) or WMMS (100.7-FM).
Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Cavs score vs Spurs live game updates, highlights, recap