The Cleveland Cavaliers are entering the new 2025-26 NBA season renewed, refreshed, and ready to go. The Cavaliers made a flurry of moves this past offseason, losing a few key pieces but also adding to their stellar squad from last season. 

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One of their major additions this past summer was none other than star guard and former lottery pick Lonzo Ball. Cleveland traded for Ball this past offseason from the Chicago Bulls, providing them with major depth at the guard position alongside All-Star starters Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell.  

While the addition of Ball could be a significant one, there is always a concern with him regarding his availability. Ball has suffered a number of major lower-body injuries in his young career and was limited last season with Chicago.

Although he is entering this season healthy, Ball shared with the media that playing back-to-back games is off the table right now, and he will be on a strict minutes limit. 

“Back-to-backs are off the table for right now,” Ball said. “Doesn’t mean it’s off the table for the whole year but definitely the start.”

As Ball mentioned, it may not last all season long, but that will be the case to start the season.

Cavaliers Proceeding with Extreme Caution

The Cavaliers are set to have 14 sets of back-to-back games this season, and their first one will be early in the season. It is clear that Cleveland is being extremely cautious with Ball to start the season. 

Nevertheless, Ball has shown that he is healthy and has made a great impression on his head coach, Kenny Atkinson. 

“He hasn’t disappointed,” Atkinson said. “Everything that we thought we were getting, we’re getting. He’s just got a great, great feel. I’m excited to coach any NBA player, but this is a guy I’ve watched for a long time. He’s kind of the ultimate system fit.”

The 27-year-old knows his role with the team, and he’ll look to perform at the highest level. 

“My role is pretty much the same wherever I go — play defense, push the break, hit open shots and don’t turn the ball over,” the 3-and-D UCLA product said. “It’s pretty simple. Been playing basketball a long time. Haven’t really changed my game.”

The Cavaliers will open up their season on Oct. 22 against the New York Knicks.  

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