Thomas, Proctor, Tyson, Hezonja, Bryant to start

The Cavaliers were without their entire starting five on the second night of a back-to-back, with nationwide travel disruptions on Friday contributing to a lengthy list of absences. Donovan Mitchell (knee), James Harden (calf), Peyton Watson (hamstring) and Jarrett Allen (knee) were all ruled out, while Evan Mobley missed his second consecutive game due to a toe sprain he sustained earlier this week. Proctor stepped up to lead Cleveland to an unexpected win by shooting over 50 percent from the floor, including 4-of-13 from three-point range. It was his first career triple-double. He’s played over 22 minutes in five consecutive games and has topped 15 points in three straight during that span. Cleveland has a three-game week coming up with home matchups against the Bulls, Grizzlies and Pacers.

Bryant recorded a double-double after drawing the start at center with both Jarrett Allen (knee) and Evan Mobley (toe) both out of action. The 29-year-old big man has played sparingly this season, but could wind up seeing additional minutes off the bench if Mobley is out for an extended period. Cleveland has a three-game week coming up with home matchups against the Bulls, Grizzlies and Pacers.

Allen will join the other four Cavs starters on the sidelines for this game. Thomas Bryant should get the start at center.

Just like the other four starters, Watson will be sidelined for this game. With Jaylon Tyson already starting in place of Evan Mobley on Friday, Mario Hezonja should enter the starting unit.

Mitchell will be unavailable, as will the other four typical starters for Cleveland. Rookie Meleek Thomas should get the starting nod in place of Mitchell. Thomas has been excellent this season, and this should be a good opportunity for him.

The Cavs will be without all five starters in this game. Look for Tyrese Proctor and Craig Porter Jr. to take on expanded roles, which would make both intriguing streaming options.

The Cavaliers are without Evan Mobley, who is sidelined with a toe injury. As a result, Cleveland will go with a smaller lineup, with Tyson filling the void. The other four starters are unchanged.

This will be Mobley’s first absence of the season. Mario Hezonja is the likely candidate to replace him in the starting unit, though they could opt for a smaller starting unit with Peyton Watson at power forward, which would open the door for multiple players to fill in, including Meleek Thomas and Jaylon Tyson.

The Cavaliers received 32 points from their reserves in Wednesday’s victory, with Proctor scoring 15. The second-year guard finished with a season-high point total while shooting 3-of-8 from beyond the arc. Rookie Meleek Thomas (14/4/1/2 with two three-pointers) offers the highest ceiling among Cleveland’s reserves, but Proctor is someone to watch moving forward.

Jaylon Tyson will return from his six game absence and be available for tonight’s game against the New York Knicks. He will likely be coming off the bench and providing some needed scoring. With him back, Tyrese Proctor will likely take a reduced role which will be important to note for deeper leagues.