On Friday evening, the Cleveland Cavaliers will be in Michigan for a matchup with the best team in the Eastern Conference (the Detroit Pistons).
The Cavs are coming off a game where they were playing without James Harden for the first time since their trade with the LA Clippers (they lost 118-116 to the Milwaukee Bucks).
Cleveland Cavaliers Get More Bad News
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates with Donovan Mitchell #45 after making a three-point shot in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Right now, Harden is listed as questionable for Friday’s showdown.
They will need the 2018 MVP, as it’s now been announced that All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell has been ruled out.
Sean Murphy of From Half Court wrote: “The injury report going into tonight’s Pistons matchup versus the Cavaliers. Isaiah Stewart will be serving one of the final games of his suspension. Donovan Mitchell has been ruled out with a right groin strain. James Harden is a GTD with a broken right thumb.”
Mitchell is in the middle of his fourth season playing for the Cavs.
Right now, he is averaging 28.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.6 steals per contest while shooting 48.3% from the field and 36.9% from three-point range in 55 games.
Before Cleveland, the former Louisville star spent five seasons with the Utah Jazz.
Danny Cunningham of Locked On Cavs wrote: “Saw James Harden, Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder at #Cavs shootaround this morning in Detroit. Did not see Dean Wade.”
Cavs During The 2025-26 NBA Season
GettyPORTLAND, OREGON – FEBRUARY 01: Head coach Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to a call during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on February 01, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
The Cavs are the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 37-23 record in 60 games.
They have won eight out of their last ten games (and are 17-12 in 29 games on the road).
Following the Pistons, the Cavs will play their next game on Sunday afternoon when they visit the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center in New York.
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints added: “Cavs guard Keon Ellis has a non-displaced solar plate avulsion of his left index PIP joint. He will undergo treatment and continued evaluation, but like James Harden, is listed as questionable and will be game-to-game.”
Looking At The Pistons Ahead Of Friday’s Game
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 21: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons looks at his elbow after hard fall against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on February 21, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jayden Mack/Getty Images)
As for the Pistons, they are in the middle of their best season in years.
They are the first seed in the Eastern Conference with a 43-14 record in 57 games.
At home, the Pistons have gone 22-7 in 29 games.
Following the Cavs, they will play their next game on Sunday night when they visit Desmond Bane and the Orlando Magic in Florida.
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