The Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic meet Monday with both teams missing key pieces. Darius Garland (right big toe sprain) will not play for Cleveland, and Franz Wagner (left high ankle sprain) remains out for Orlando. It’s a big blow on both sides, but the Cavs’ recent form and depth put them in position to handle the hit.

Here’s what the final injury report means, why it matters, and how it could shape tonight’s game in Cleveland.

Cleveland Cavaliers injury report: Darius Garland out, Max Strus out

Garland suffered a Grade 1 sprain of his right big toe on Jan. 14 against the 76ers. The team said he would be reevaluated in seven to 10 days. As one report summed up, “Garland was set to be re-evaluated in seven to 10 days with the injury, and he’s now outside of that timeline after getting ruled out on Monday.”

Max Strus is also out, shrinking Cleveland’s guard and wing options. The Cavs will again lean on Donovan Mitchell and a mix of role players to carry the load.

Two names to watch: Sam Merrill and Hunter, who are both listed as questionable. Merrill has missed five straight with a right-hand sprain that first appeared in November against Milwaukee and flared up again on Jan. 14. It has been painful enough that, per team accounts, his coach couldn’t even shake his hand at one point. If he can go, his shooting could change the shape of this matchup.

“If Merrill plays, the floor opens up for Mitch.“

Orlando Magic injury report: Franz Wagner out, Colin Castleton sidelined

Orlando is without its top-scoring wing again. Wagner’s left ankle sprain has kept him out for 18 of the last 20 games since the original injury on Dec. 7. The Magic have fought to keep the offense afloat without his driving, shooting, and passing on the wing.

Colin Castleton is also sidelined, further thinning Orlando’s depth. With Wagner out, the Magic lose a go-to option late in games and a steady on-ball connector who lifts the team’s half-court offense.

“No Franz changes everything for Orlando—shots get tougher and spacing gets tighter.“

Form guide: Cavs are rolling despite absences

Cleveland has won three straight and seven of its last 10, climbing to the No. 5 seed in the East. That surge has come even with Garland missing time. The split is striking: the Cavs are 13-13 with Garland this season, and 14-7 without him.

That doesn’t mean they’re better off without their All-Star guard. It does say this group has learned how to play through injuries. They slow the game, guard hard, and let their stars create late. Against a short-handed Magic team, that’s a path to another win.

Donovan Mitchell’s usage spikes without Garland

When Garland sits, Donovan Mitchell takes on more playmaking. His assists rise to 5.9 per game without Garland. He’s also rebounding at 4.8 per game this month and averaging 11.9 combined assists and rebounds across January.

Mitchell’s last game versus Orlando was a reminder of just how much he can tilt a matchup: 36 points, nine assists, and five rebounds. Expect the ball in his hands early and often, especially with Strus out and Merrill uncertain.

“Mitchell + defense = Cavs’ formula until the guards get healthy.“

Why Sam Merrill’s status matters

Merrill has been a quiet swing piece this season. In the games he’s played, the Cavs are 16-8. He’s averaging 13.8 points on sparkling .470/.455/.882 shooting splits. His on/off differential sits at +4.7, which lands in the 75th percentile among rotation players.

Those numbers tell a simple story: Merrill’s gravity from deep opens space for drives, rolls, and kick-outs. If he is available, Cleveland can mirror some of the spacing Strus normally provides and keep Orlando’s defense spread out. If he sits, the Cavs will need more slashing and offensive rebounding to generate clean looks.

Orlando’s challenge without Wagner

Wagner’s absence forces others to take tougher shots. The Magic must find points in transition, off second chances, and at the foul line. Without Wagner’s on-ball pressure, Cleveland can load up more on Orlando’s remaining creators and shade extra help into the paint.

That’s where the Cavs’ recent defensive form comes in. Their comfort in lower-scoring games is a problem for a Magic team missing its best wing scorer. Orlando will need role players to hit threes and its bigs to control the glass to keep this close late.

What to watch Monday night

• Mitchell’s playmaking: With Garland and Strus out, can he keep the offense steady and make the right reads?
• Merrill’s availability: If he plays, watch the Cavs’ three-point attempts and spacing.
• Magic’s shot diet: Can Orlando find easy points without Wagner, or will the game slow into a grind?
• Bench minutes: Hunter’s status for Cleveland and Orlando’s depth could swing short stints.

Big picture

Even with injuries, the Cavs come in as favorites. They’re winning, they’ve learned to adapt without Garland, and they have the best player on the floor in Mitchell. Orlando is short-handed and missing Wagner’s two-way punch, which narrows their margin for error.

For Cleveland, the goal is simple: defend first, let Mitchell dictate, and hope for a Merrill boost. For Orlando, it’s about grit and balance. If the Magic can muddy the game and squeeze extra possessions, they can hang around. If not, the Cavs have the form and firepower to close.

One line from the team’s injury notes sticks: “The Cavs said that Garland would be reevaluated in seven to 10 days after suffering a Grade 1 right great toe sprain.” He’s now beyond that window. Cleveland has handled the wait well so far. Monday is another test of that resilience.

And if Merrill’s hand allows it, the floor could look a lot wider for the home team.