Cleveland Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings: preview and player stats (Mar 14, 2027)

Injury/Illness - Left Knee Contusion/Injury Management (2026-11-14, DAL@CLE). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): Mitchell (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Mavericks. Mitchell is dealing with a left knee contusion and could sit out the second leg of this back-to-back set. The star guard's absence would open up more minutes for guys like Meleek Thomas and Tyrese Proctor. James Harden (lower leg/calf), Peyton Watson (hamstring) and Jarrett Allen (knee) are all also in danger of joining Evan Mobley (toe) and Sam Merrill (elbow) on the shelf, so Cleveland could be shorthanded against Dallas.

Injury/Illness - Left Great Toe Sprain (2026-11-14, DAL@CLE). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): Mobley (toe) has been ruled out for Saturday's meeting with Dallas. Mobley will miss a second consecutive contest due to a left great toe sprain, and his next chance to play will come Monday against the Bulls. Jarrett Allen (knee) is questionable for Saturday's contest, so Thomas Bryant could be asked to step into an expanded role.

Injury/Illness - Right Knee Injury Management (2026-11-14, DAL@CLE). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): Allen (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against Dallas. Allen has played in each of Cleveland's last three games after sitting out two contests with a right knee injury, but lingering issues have now put his availability for Saturday's game in jeopardy. Thomas Bryant and Mario Hezonja could take on increased playing time if Allen ends up sitting.

Injury/Illness - Left Lower Leg/Calf Tightness (2026-11-14, DAL@CLE). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): Harden (left lower leg/calf tightness) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Mavericks. Harden could be held out of the second leg of this back-to-back set. If the veteran guard is ruled out, Tyrese Proctor and Craig Porter would likely see increased playing time. Donovan Mitchell (knee), Peyton Watson (hamstring) and Jarrett Allen (knee) are all also in jeopardy of joining Evan Mobley (toe) and Sam Merrill (elbow) on the inactive list, so the Cavaliers could be shorthanded Saturday.

Injury/Illness - Right Elbow Injury Management (2026-11-14, DAL@CLE). Prior reporting (2026-11-10): 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.

Injury/Illness - Right Hamstring Injury Management (2026-11-14, DAL@CLE). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): Watson (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Mavericks. Watson missed a pair of games at the beginning of November due to a sore right hamstring, and he appears to still be battling problems in that same hamstring. Meleek Thomas and Mario Hezonja may step into larger roles if Watson is ruled out.

Injury/Illness - Low Back Stress Reaction (2026-11-14, DAL@CLE). Prior reporting (2026-10-20): 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.

G League - Two-Way (2026-11-14, DAL@CLE).

Murray (illness) didn't participate in Saturday's practice, Brenden Nunes of KHTK Sactown Sports 1140 reports. Murray is dealing with an illness ahead of Sunday's home game against the Thunder. If he's unable to play, De'Andre Hunter and Dylan Cardwell would likely see increased burn, especially if Precious Achiuwa (ankle) remains out.

Achiuwa (ankle) is out for Friday's game against the Trail Blazers. Achiuwa is sitting out Friday for the first time this season due to left ankle soreness, and he can be deemed day-to-day going forward. His absence likely paves the way for Keegan Murray to re-enter the starting lineup after opening 2026-27 as the Kings' starting power forward.

Simmons underwent successful surgery Tuesday to repair a torn right Achilles tendon, James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reports. Simmons had a quality preseason, averaging 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists over 17.4 minutes per contest (two games). The 30-year-old was on track to suit up for the Kings on opening night, though those plans were halted after he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during practice. Now, Simmons will focus on rehab. However, it's unknown what the future holds regarding his career in the NBA. Reported out for season.

Raynaud (knee) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against Orlando. Raynaud is expected to be re-evaluated soon, though he can be considered week-to-week until the Kings offer an update on his status. Dylan Cardwell and Precious Achiuwa will likely continue seeing increased burn in Raynaud's absence.