CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 31: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket around Royce O'Neale #00 of the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter at Rocket Arena on December 31, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Suns 129-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesJackson FlickingerFri, January 30, 2026 at 1:54 AM UTC·2 min readThe Cleveland Cavaliers are playing some of their best basketball of the season. That will be put to the test on Friday as they embark on a five-game Western Conference road trip that starts Friday when they take on the Phoenix Suns.
The Suns have been a pleasant surprise this season. They’ve exceeded expectations and are heading in the right direction under the leadership of former Cavs assistant Jordan Ott. They are, however, expected to be without the services of Devin Booker. He’s dealing with an ankle injury. And, they’ll also be playing the second end of a back-to-back as they take on the Detroit Pistons on Thursday.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Cavs will also be without two starters, with Darius Garland and Evan Mobley unavailable. We’ll see if they can keep the momentum going from their impressive performance on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Support us and Let ‘Em Know with Homage!
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can buy the Mark Price shirt HERE. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE.
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (29-20) at Phoenix Suns (28-19)
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center – Phoenix, AZ
When: Fri., Jan. 30 at 9 PM
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, FanDuel Sports Network App, NBA League Pass
Point spread: Not yet set
Cavs injury report: Evan Mobley – OUT (calf), Darius Garland – OUT (toe), Max Strus – OUT (foot), Tristan Enaruna – OUT (G League), Luke Travers – OUT (G League)
Suns injury report for Thursday’s game against Detroit: Devin Booker – OUT (ankle), Collin Gillespie – QUESTIONABLE (hand), Jalen Green – QUESTIONABLE (hamstring)
Cavs expected starting lineup: Donovan Mitchell, Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, Dean Wade, Jarrett Allen
Suns expected starting lineup: Jordan Goodwin, Grayson Allen, Dillon Brooks, Royce O’Neale, Mark Williams
Previous matchup: The Cavs won the first meeting of the season 129-113.
Here’s a look at both teams’ impact stats via Cleaning the Glass.
Offensive Rating
Defensive Rating
Net Rating
Cavs
117.5 (9th)
114.1 (11th)
+3.5 (9th)
Suns
115.8 (15th)
113.1 (7th)
+2.7 (11th)
Join the conversation!Sign up for a user account and get:
Fewer ads
Create community posts
Comment on articles, community posts
Rec comments, community posts
New, improved notifications system!
