Cavaliers Vs Bucks: Cavaliers to Be Without Multiple Key Players for Wednesday
The Cavaliers enter the cavaliers vs bucks matchup shorthanded after a victory over the New York Knicks that held the Knicks under 100 points on Tuesday, with several contributors from that win unavailable for Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Cavaliers Vs Bucks: Who's out for Wednesday
In total, Cleveland will be without at least two starters from yesterday’s win and could be down three. Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley will both be held out of Wednesday’s game; Mitchell is listed out with a right groin strain, and Mobley is out due to maintenance from the left calf injury that kept him out for several weeks starting at the end of January.
Key absences and an emergency starting five
The team also announced that James Harden suffered a broken right thumb during the win over the Knicks and is officially listed as questionable for the game; the club said he might not miss any time. Max Strus remains out with a foot issue and has yet to play this season. Cleveland’s three two-way players—Darius Brown, Tristan Enaruna, and Riley Minix—are also unavailable. If Harden isn’t able to go, the Cavs could be left with a projected starting lineup of Dennis Schroder, Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, Dean Wade, and Jarrett Allen.
Bucks injury picture
The Bucks will still be without the services of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who will be missing this game with a calf strain. Taurean Prince (neck surgery) and Alex Antetokounmpo (G League) will also be held out of this game.
Recent form, roster strain and other matchups noted
Cleveland’s Tuesday defensive effort—holding the Knicks under 100 points—came before the team announced these absences, and the Cavs are looking for their seventh straight win tonight. The Cavs could be getting derailed after finally putting things together. Separate notes in the context also indicate the Thunder will be down several key pieces for Sunday’s matchup and will be missing key stars against the Cavs.
Scoreboard detail and what comes next
The wider set of headlines includes a recent Bucks win over Cleveland—Bucks 118-116 Cavaliers on Feb 25, 2026—listed as a game recap. With Mitchell and Mobley ruled out and Harden questionable, Cleveland’s rotation and matchups against Milwaukee’s available players will determine how the team approaches Wednesday’s game. Kenny Atkinson said he’d love to have Max Strus back at any point before the playoffs begin.
Next on the calendar: Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks is the immediate test for a Cavs team missing multiple starters, and the status of James Harden remains the key day-of update coaches will check before tipoff.
