Sipu Jha
The Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Ball Arena on February 9 to face the Denver Nuggets in a matchup between two teams near the top of their respective conferences. Cleveland has been one of the more consistent teams in the East, while Denver continues to manage a long injury list as it tries to hold position in the Western standings.Availability could shape this game as much as strategy. Both teams are monitoring several players, and late decisions may influence rotations, minutes, and matchups. Cleveland is focused on improving playoff seeding, while Denver is aiming to stay strong at home.
Cleveland Cavaliers injury report vs Denver Nuggets (February 9, 2026)
Cleveland Cavaliers enters the game at 31-21, second in the Central Division, but several players remain unavailable.
Out (not playing):
• Evan Mobley (PF/C, 4) – Left calf strain; has missed multiple games. • Max Strus (SG, 2) – Recovering from surgery for a left-foot Jones fracture; no clear return timeline. • Emanuel Miller (SF, 15) – Two-way/G-League player; ruled out.
Questionable (50/50):
• Jaylon Tyson (SF, 20) – Left ankle sprain; listed day-to-day. • Dean Wade (PF, 32) – Also dealing with a left ankle sprain; expected to miss time but still listed as questionable.If Tyson and Wade are out, Cleveland will lean more on Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, and the veteran backcourt of James Harden and Dennis Schröder. Larry Nance Jr. and Thomas Bryant could also take on larger roles in the frontcourt.
Denver Nuggets injury report vs Cleveland Cavaliers (February 9, 2026)
Denver is 33-19 and second in the Northwest Division, though injuries have affected lineup stability.
Out (not playing):
• Tamar Bates (SG, 7) – Left foot surgery. • Curtis Jones (G, 1) – Development/G-League designation. • Spencer Jones (SF, 21) – In concussion protocol; expected out until at least February 11. • Peyton Watson (SF, 8) – Right leg strain.
Game-time decisions / questionable:
• Nikola Jokić (C, 15) – Ankle issue; listed as a game-time decision and may have limited minutes if he plays. • Christian Braun (SG, 0) – Ankle sprain. • Jamal Murray (PG, 27) – Left hip inflammation; status being monitored.If any are limited or unavailable, Denver could rely more on Aaron Gordon, Cameron Johnson, Zeke Nnaji, and Jonas Valančiūnas. Jalen Pickett and Julian Strawther may take on additional ball-handling responsibilities.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Denver Nuggets Head-to-head history and recent meetings
The Cavaliers and Nuggets have met 100 times in the regular season, with Denver holding a 54-46 lead. Cleveland has reduced that gap in recent years with improved defense and consistent scoring.The teams have already played at least one close game this season. Denver approaches this matchup after a narrow loss earlier in the schedule. Cleveland remains one of the league’s stronger defensive teams, while Denver continues to produce efficiently on offense when healthy.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Denver Nuggets Team stats snapshot (2025-26)
| Metric | Cleveland Cavaliers (31-21) | Denver Nuggets (33-19) |
| Offensive rating | ~114–115 (top-10) | ~117–118 (elite) |
| Defensive rating | ~109–110 (top-5) | ~113–114 (middle-of-pack) |
| Rebounds per game | ~44–45 | ~42–43 |
| Turnovers per game | ~11–12 | ~13–14 |
| 3-point rate (FGA) | ~38–40% | ~34–36% |
Cleveland relies on defense, rebounding, and balanced scoring led by Mitchell and Harden. Denver’s offense runs through Jokić’s passing and half-court execution.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Denver Nuggets Matchup factors
• Guard play: If Murray or Braun cannot play full minutes, Cleveland’s guards could have more room to operate, particularly in pick-and-roll situations. • Interior matchup: Jokić’s status will influence Denver’s offense. If he plays, Allen and Nance will handle most of the defensive work inside. If he is limited, Cleveland can focus more attention on Denver’s perimeter players. • Rebounding: Cleveland is among the league leaders on the boards. Denver’s frontcourt remains capable but thinner due to injuries.
What to watch on February 9’s Cleveland Cavaliers vs Denver Nuggets game
This game gives Cleveland a chance to measure itself against a Western contender on the road. Denver will try to maintain its home record despite roster uncertainty.Also read: Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight vs the Cleveland Cavaliers? Latest update on the Denver Nuggets star’s injury report (February 9, 2026)If Jokić and Murray are available, Denver’s offense could be enough to secure the win. Cleveland, however, has the defensive structure and rebounding to remain competitive and push for a road victory.
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