Cleveland Cavaliers vs New Orleans Pelicans: preview and player stats (Jan 25, 2027)

Mobley (toe) is out for Friday's game against the Heat. The star big man took a hard fall late in Wednesday's win over the Knicks, and he's missing his first contest of the season Friday with a sprained toe. With Mobley sidelined, Jaylon Tyson, Meleek Thomas and Mario Hezonja are each viable streaming options.

Merrill (elbow) is listed as out for Wednesday's game against the Knicks. Merrill has battled a lingering elbow issue since the preseason. He will now miss a third consecutive contest, with his next opportunity to suit up coming Friday in Miami. While Merrill is sidelined, Craig Porter, Meleek Thomas and Tyrese Proctor should see more minutes.

Tomlin is set to miss several weeks with a lower back stress reaction, Chris Fedor of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. This is a tough blow for the forward and there's no guarantee he's cleared right away when he's re-evaluated in three-to-four weeks. Tomlin wasn't projected to crack the rotation ahead of Opening Night and was penciled in to be an emergency depth option.

Murphy (knee) is out for Friday's game against Memphis. Murphy will miss a third consecutive game while nursing bilateral patellar tendinopathy. He'll aim to return in the second leg of this back-to-back set against the Nuggets on Saturday. Saddiq Bey should continue to see an expanded role with Murphy on the sidelines.

Murray (ankle) is out for Friday's game against Memphis. This was the expectation after the star guard requested a trade from the Pelicans earlier Friday. Given his standing with the club, Murray can be tentatively considered doubtful for future contests while New Orleans tries to find him another home.

Missi (knee) is out for Friday's game against the Grizzlies. Even though Missi has been trending in the right direction and was recently cleared to resume on-court activities, this game will come too soon for him. This means Missi will miss an 11th consecutive game while dealing with a left knee bone bruise. His next chance to play will come Saturday against the Nuggets, and in the meantime, Karlo Matkovic will remain in the starting lineup.

McGowens (elbow) is listed as out for Friday's game against the Grizzlies. McGowens has been downgraded from doubtful to out with a left elbow infection. He faces a quick turnaround to return ahead of Saturday's tilt against Denver.

Watford (ankle) is listed as out for Friday's game against the Grizzlies. Friday marks a third consecutive absence for Watford, who has no timetable for a return with a sprained ankle. His absence solidifies DeAndre Jordan's spot in the center rotation.