Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart for Jan. 27 | 2024-25 NBA season
The Detroit Pistons will visit the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Monday. This will be the second of four meetings between the two teams this season. In their first matchup on Oct. 25, the Cavaliers defeated the Pistons 113-101 in Cleveland.
Although they have lost three straight games, the Cavaliers (36-9) still sit atop the Eastern Conference. Their most recent loss came at the hands of the Houston Rockets, who won their Saturday showdown 135-131.
Meanwhile, the Pistons (23-22) are in sixth place in the East. After winning back-to-back games last week, they lost to the Orlando Magic 121-113 on Saturday.
Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers: Injury report
Detroit Pistons injury report
Jaden Ivey has been ruled out of the season as he recovers from surgery on his left leg. Meanwhile, Tobias Harris is listed as day-to-day after sustaining a head injury in the Orlando game.
Cleveland Cavaliers injury report
Isaac Okoro (shoulder), Caris LeVert (wrist) and Dean Wade (knee) will all be out of action on Monday.
Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers: Predicted starting lineups and depth chart
Detroit Pistons
Cleveland Cavaliers
Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers: Key matchups
Tobias Harris vs Evan Mobley
If Tobias Harris does suit up for the Pistons on Monday, he'll have his hands full with the versatile big man Evan Mobley. Averaging 18.3 points per game, the third overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft is having the best scoring season of his career. The 6-foot-8 Harris will need to have an explosive scoring night as he faces the taller Mobley.
Cade Cunningham vs Darius Garland
The point guard matchup features two prolific scorers who excel at setting up their teammates. Some observers believe Cunningham, averaging career highs in points (24.9) and assists (9.4), was snubbed for an All-Star starting spot. Meanwhile, Garland, an All-Star in 2022, has been a steady playmaker for the Eastern Conference-leading Cavaliers.
Tim Hardaway Jr. vs Donovan Mitchell
Although Tim Hardaway Jr.'s scoring average has dipped this season, his shooting percentage (42.0%) is the best it's been since 2020-21. He'll need to bring his A-game against Donovan Mitchell, who will be starting the All-Star Game for the second time in his career. Mitchell, averaging 23.8 points per game on 44.4% shooting, remains a formidable offensive force.