Phoenix Suns vs Cleveland Cavaliers (Image via Getty) Cleveland Cavaliers travels to Phoenix Suns on January 30, 2026, for a game between two teams that are missing important starters. The Cavaliers have one of the best records in the league, but they arrive without two regular All-Star level players. Phoenix is in a similar spot, playing at home without its leading scorer.Because of these absences, this game will look different from a normal meeting between these teams. More responsibility will fall on the available stars, and the result may depend on which supporting players can fill the gaps.
Cleveland Cavaliers injury report vs the Phoenix Suns (January 30, 2026)
Cleveland Cavaliers are without Evan Mobley due to a calf strain. His absence removes a key defender and interior presence. The team is also missing Darius Garland because of a toe injury, which takes away a primary ball handler and scorer.Max Strus is out with a foot injury, reducing the team’s outside shooting options. Tristan Enaruna and Luke Travers are not active as they are on G League assignments. This leaves most of the creation work to Donovan Mitchell. Inside, Jarrett Allen becomes the main rim protector and rebounder.A likely starting lineup is Mitchell, Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, Dean Wade, and Allen. No Cleveland player is listed as questionable, so this group is expected to be the one that takes the floor.
Phoenix Suns injury report vs Cleveland Cavaliers (January 30, 2026)
Phoenix Suns are missing Devin Booker because of an ankle injury. Without him, the team loses its main late-game shot maker.Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkić have both missed recent games and could still be out or limited. Backcourt depth is uncertain as Collin Gillespie is questionable with a hand injury and Jalen Green is dealing with a hamstring issue.If Booker remains out, Phoenix may start a group built around defense and spacing, with players such as Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, Josh Okogie, and Jordan Goodwin alongside an available center.The offense will run through Kevin Durant, who will be asked to score and create on most possessions.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Phoenix Suns Series history
These teams have played 124 regular-season games. Phoenix has won 72 of them, while Cleveland has won 52. They have never faced each other in the playoffs.In their last meeting earlier this season, Cleveland won 129–113. While Phoenix has led the overall series for many years, recent seasons have been more even as Cleveland has improved.
How both teams have performed this season
MetricCleveland CavaliersPhoenix Suns Record (approx.) High-win total, top-seed contender Solid mid-pack to upper-pack West Offensive Rating ~117.5 (top-10) ~115.8 (around league middle) Defensive Rating Top-10 to top-15, strong interior defense Slightly below league average Net Rating Among the league’s best, clearly positive Near even to slightly positive Points per game Mid-110s, driven by Mitchell’s scoring Mid-110s when top scorers are available
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Phoenix Suns Main on-court matchup
With several starters out, the focus shifts to Mitchell against Durant. Both will handle the ball often and take most of the important shots. Cleveland usually protects the paint well. Without Mobley, that job falls more on Allen and team defense. Phoenix will try to use shooting and spacing to pull Cleveland away from the rim.Phoenix is also playing on the second night of a back-to-back. Fatigue could matter late in the game.
What could decide the result
If Cleveland limits easy shots near the basket and forces tougher jumpers, its defense gives it a strong chance to win on the road. If Phoenix hits outside shots and Durant scores efficiently in isolation, the home team can make up for the missing pieces.This game is likely to stay close. With shorter rotations on both sides, small plays from role players may end up making the difference.