CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers have been chasing consistency throughout this disappointing season.
Winning during the second night of a back-to-back on Dec. 23 against the New Orleans Pelicans would represent progress for the Cavs. The Pelicans have one of the worst records in the NBA, yet they’re on a five-game winning streak.
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The Cavs snapped a three-game losing streak on Dec. 22 with a 139-132 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Although Cleveland’s offensive production was encouraging, its defense remained lackluster.
Tip-off for Cavs (16-14) versus Pelicans (8-22) occurred at 7:40 p.m. Check below for updates throughout the game.
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Cleveland Cavs lead Pelicans 19-13 with 5:33 remaining in the opening quarter
The Cavs led 19-13 with 5:33 left in the first quarter during a Pelicans timeout.
Cleveland started the game 8-of-12 shooting from the field. Forward Dean Wade made his first two shots, both of which were 3-pointers, and led the Cavs with six points at this early checkpoint.
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Cavs lead Pelicans 10-9 with 8:06 left in the first quarter
The Cavs led the Pelicans 10-9 during a Cleveland timeout with 8:06 left in the first quarter.
Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson used a timeout after the Pelicans burned his team’s poor transition defense. Rookie forward Derik Queen threw an alley-oop pass to forward Trey Murphy III, cutting Cleveland’s lead to one point.
Below is some pregame information.
Cavaliers list Darius Garland as questionable with quad contusion, but later announce he is available to play vs. Pelicans
After the Cavs beat the Hornets on Dec. 22, point guard Darius Garland said he planned to play in consecutive games for the first time this season as he works his way back to full strength after undergoing toe surgery in June.
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The Cavs listed Garland as questionable to face the Pelicans due to a new injury — a left quadriceps contusion. Atkinson said Garland would test his quad in warm-ups to determine whether he would play.
About 45 minutes before tip-off, the Cavs announced Garland is available to face the Pelicans.
Cleveland Cavs injury report vs. New Orleans Pelicans. Who have Cavaliers ruled out?
The Cavs have ruled out six players against the Pelicans. They are point guard Lonzo Ball (left knee injury management), forward Evan Mobley (left calf strain), small forward Max Strus (left foot surgery), forward/center Larry Nance Jr. (right calf strain), forward Chris Livingston (two-way contract) and forward Luke Travers (two-way contract).
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Cavs starting lineup vs. Pelicans. Sam Merrill will start
The Cavs announced they will start the following players against the Pelicans: Guards Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell and Sam Merrill, forward Dean Wade and center Jarrett Allen.
Merrill returned from a 14-game absence caused by a right hand sprain on Dec. 22 and came off the bench against the Hornets. Now he’s back in the starting lineup. The Cavs initially announced Jaylon Tyson would start against the Pelicans, but they later swapped Tyson with Merrill.
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WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 12: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after making a three point basket against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on December 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans injury report vs. Cleveland Cavaliers. Jordan Poole ruled out vs. Cavs
The Pelicans ruled out wing Herb Jones (right ankle sprain), guard Dejounte Murray (right Achilles rupture), center Hunter Dickinson, (two-way contract) and guard Trey Alexander (two-way contract).
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The Pelicans also listed guard Jordan Poole (left ankle soreness) as questionable to face the Cavs. Later, the Pelicans ruled out Poole.
Dec 19, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; The Cleveland Cavaliers walk back to the bench for a timeout during the fourth against the Chicago Bulls quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Do the Cavs play on Christmas Day?
The Cavs will visit the New York Knicks at noon on Dec. 25 for one of the NBA’s five games on Christmas Day. The nationally televised game can be viewed on ABC and ESPN.
Unlike the Cavs, the Knicks have been living up to the hype this season. Entering Dec. 23’s games, the Knicks were 20-8 and second in the Eastern Conference.
How can I watch, stream Cavs game tonight vs. Pelicans? How can I listed to Cavaliers game on radio?
The local TV broadcast of the Cavs-Pelicans game on Dec. 23 can be viewed via FanDuel Sports Network — Ohio. The radio broadcast can be heard locally via WTAM (1100-AM) or WMMS (100.7-FM).
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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 New Orleans Pelicans live game updates