Cavs holding out nine regulars for finale vs. Pacers

April 13, 2025

If you want to see some preseason basketball, head over to Rocket Arena on Sunday afternoon. Actually, the game features the Cavs and Pacers and will still count in the regular-season standings.

But nothing more than that. Tipoff is 1 p.m. EST.

The Cavs (64-17) are holding out the majority of their regular rotation, though we will still see some familiar faces. Same goes for the Pacers (49-32).

First, let’s take a look at who’s out for the Cavs and the reason given:

Donovan Mitchell – ankle sprain
Darius Garland – toe injury management
Evan Mobley – low back soreness
Max Strus – knee injury management
De’Andre Hunter – rest
Ty Jerome – knee injury management
Isaac Okoro – rest
Dean Wade – rest
Sam Merrill – rest

So that leaves Jarrett Allen. He wants to play in all 82 for the first time in his career and coach Kenny Atkinson is honoring that wish. Admirable for all involved.

Who else might we see? Well, it’ll basically be an eight-man rotation featuring the likes of rookie Jaylon Tyson, Craig Porter Jr., Javonte Green, Tristan Thompson, Chuma Okeke, Nae’Qwan Tomlin, Luke Travers, and Emoni Bates.

As for the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam are among those sitting out. Neither team has anything to play for, given that everyone in the Eastern Conference is locked into their seed (the Cavs at No. 1; Pacers at No. 4).

So yes, this is a potential second-round playoff matchup. It would, of course, look nothing like the game today.

Nevertheless, this is Fan Appreciation Day, so it’s likely to be a sellout and generate some strong enthusiasm for a historic regular season.