Cleveland Cavaliers vs Philadelphia 76ers injury report: Injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (January 16, 2026)

The Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Philadelphia 76ers on January 16 with both teams close in the Eastern Conference standings. Cleveland is 23–19 and Philadelphia is 22–17. Neither team has much room to slip if they want to stay clear of the Play-In mix.This game may come down to who can manage minutes and rotations better. Cleveland is missing several regulars, while Philadelphia is tracking the availability of its top players. The matchup sets up as a tight contest rather than a blowout.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Philadelphia Injury Situation (January 16, 2026)

Cleveland Cavaliers are short-handed. Darius Garland is out, leaving the offense to run almost entirely through Donovan Mitchell. Sam Merrill is also out with a right hand sprain, removing a reliable perimeter shooter who was hitting 45.5% from three.

Max Strus remains sidelined after left foot surgery, and Dean Wade is out with a left knee contusion. Chris Livingston and Luke Travers are unavailable due to G League assignments.

Philadelphia’s list is shorter. Joel Embiid and Paul George are listed as probable while managing left knee issues. Dominick Barlow is day-to-day. The 76ers are closer to full strength, but Embiid and George’s workloads are worth watching.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Philadelphia 76ers Head-to-Head Snapshot

The teams have met 237 times, with Philadelphia holding a 122–115 edge. Recent meetings have been even. In the 2023–24 season, the series ended 2–2, with games often turning into scoring duels between Mitchell and Tyrese Maxey. That pattern fits this matchup as well.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Philadelphia 76ers Team Stats Comparison

Cleveland scores more and rebounds better. Philadelphia gives up fewer points and relies more on defensive pressure. Net rating favors Cleveland slightly.

What to Watch Tonight's Cavaliers vs 76ers Game (January 16, 2026)

Mitchell’s usage will be high, especially if Cleveland struggles to create shots elsewhere. Maxey’s speed is a problem for a Cavaliers backcourt without Garland. Rebounding favors Cleveland, but turnovers could swing the game toward Philadelphia.Philadelphia is 10–10 at home. Cleveland’s recent results suggest they can win if they control the glass. A close game with a high total is likely.