LA Clippers vs Cleveland Cavaliers: preview and player stats (Dec 31, 2026)

Injury/Illness - Left Rotator Cuff Surgery (2026-11-13, OKC@LAC). Prior reporting (2026-08-26): Miller underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a torn left rotator cuff and will be re-evaluated in six months, per Law Murray of The Athletic. It's a tough break for Miller, who had an opportunity to battle for a reserve role during training camp in the fall. The timeline for a return is likely to keep him on the shelf until after the All-Star break. Miller's extended stay on the sidelines gives Kobe Sanders a chance to crack the Clippers' rotation.

Injury/Illness - Right Heel Surgery (2026-11-13, OKC@LAC). Prior reporting (2026-11-12): Ingram (Achilles) won't play in Friday's game against the Thunder, per Law Murray of The Athletic. Ingram is ramping up his activity as he nears his season debut for the Clippers, but he's not yet cleared for game action amid his Achilles rehab. Until the star forward is ready to suit up, Kris Dunn, Rui Hachimura and Derrick Jones should all hang onto starting roles.

Injury/Illness - Right Knee Injury Management (2026-11-13, OKC@LAC). Prior reporting (2026-10-15): Beal (knee) will not be ready for the start of the regular season, NBA writer Justin Russo reports. Beal is dealing with knee inflammation that will keep him sidelined for Opening Night. While it's unclear how long the Clippers will be without the veteran guard, Darius Garland, Keaton Wagler and Kris Dunn should dominate the backcourt minutes in his absence. Beal's 2025-26 campaign was cut short by a hip injury after he averaged 8.2 points and 1.7 assists in 20.6 minutes across just six regular-season appearances.

Injury/Illness - Right Lisfranc Surgery (2026-11-13, OKC@LAC). Prior reporting (2026-11-10): Niederhauser (foot) is out for Tuesday's game against Phoenix, Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com reports. Niederhauser has yet to make an appearance this season for the Clippers while rehabbing from foot surgery. It's unclear at this time when he'll be available to take the court, and he can be considered week-to-week until further notice.

G League - Two-Way (2026-11-13, OKC@LAC).

Injury/Illness - Left Great Toe - Sprain (2026-11-13, CLE@MIA). Prior reporting (2026-11-12): 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.

Injury/Illness - Right Elbow Injury Management (2026-11-13, CLE@MIA). 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 - Low Back Stress Reaction (2026-11-13, CLE@MIA).

G League - Two-Way (2026-11-13, CLE@MIA).

G League - On Assignment (2026-11-13, CLE@MIA).