Final Injury Report for Cavaliers-76ers, Will Darius Garland, Joel Embiid Play?

The Philadelphia 76ers are at home on Friday night as they host the Cleveland Cavaliers in an Eastern Conference showdown.

Philadelphia enters Friday’s game with a 22-17 record after losing at home to the Cavaliers on Wednesday night.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts with forward Paul George (8)Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

(Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)

In Wednesday’s loss to the Cavaliers, Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers as he recorded 20 points, four rebounds and three assists while Paul George added 17 points, four rebounds and four assists of his own.

Now Philadelphia will try to bounce back at home on Friday as they face off against the Cavaliers once again.

On the other side, Cleveland enters Friday’s contest with a 23-19 record after defeating the 76ers on the road on Wednesday night.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45)David Dermer-Imagn Images

(David Dermer-Imagn Images)

Donovan Mitchell led the way for the Cavaliers in Wednesday’s victory as he ended the game with 35 points, seven rebounds and nine assists while Darius Garland recorded 20 points, three rebounds and seven assists.

While both teams are looking to pick up a victory in Friday night’s matchup, both squads may be without multiple key players due to injuries.

Cavaliers Injury Report, Will Darius Garland, Sam Merill Play?

For the Cavaliers, they have four players listed on their injury report, including both Garland and Sam Merrill.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) © Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

Cleveland has ruled out Garland due to right toe soreness that caused him to exit Wednesday’s victory.

With Garland sidelined, Craig Porter Jr., Lonzo Ball and Jaylon Tyson could all be in line for larger roles.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5)Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

(Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

The Cavaliers have also ruled out Merrill due to a right hand sprain that he suffered in Wednesday’s game against the 76ers and with him sidelined, De’Andre Hunter could have a larger role.

Dean Wade and Max Strus have also been ruled out as they both remain sidelined while recovering from injuries.

76ers Injury Report, Will Joel Embiid, Paul George Play?

On the other side, the 76ers have three players listed on their injury report, including both Embiid and George.

Philadelphia has listed Embiid as probable due to left knee injury management and he is expected to play in Friday’s contest.

The 76ers have also listed George as probable due to left knee injury management and he is also expected to play against the Cavaliers.

Dominick Barlow has been listed as questionable with a back contusion after he took a hard fall in Wednesday’s loss.

If Barlow is sidelined, Jabari Walker and Adem Bona could both be in line for larger roles for the 76ers.

Fans can catch Friday night’s matchup between the Cavaliers and 76ers from Philadelphia at 7:00 p.m. EST on ESPN.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Final Injury Report for Cavaliers-76ers, Will Darius Garland, Joel Embiid Play?

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