Cleveland

Cavaliers

Minix has appeared in 11 NBA games in three seasons, spending most of his time in the G League. The Cavaliers’ G League affiliate has retained his G League rights. To make room for Minix, the Cavaliers have waived Tristan Enaruna.

Tyson is set to miss his fifth consecutive game with a sprained right ankle. With Sam Merrill (elbow) also out, Tyrese Proctor and Meleek Thomas should see more minutes against the Knicks Saturday.

Merrill left Friday’s game against the 76ers with an elbow injury in the first half and didn’t return. He’s listed as out for Saturday’s game against the Knicks with what the Cavaliers are calling right elbow injury management. Meleek Thomas could get the start in Merrill’s absence.

Allen suffered a knee injury against the Thunder on Wednesday, didn’t return and hasn’t played since. He’ll miss his second consecutive game Saturday against the Knicks. Thomas Bryant will see more minutes off the bench while Evan Mobley slides over to center in the starting lineup.

Although he didn’t start on Friday, Hezonja’s role grew in importance because the Cavaliers were without Jarrett Allen (knee). The 6-foot-8 forward, who is bulkier than he was during his first stint in the NBA, led the Cavaliers with 10 rebounds, recording his first double-double of the season. If Allen remains out for Saturday’s game against the Knicks, Hezonja may be worthy of consideration in deep leagues as a streamer.

Back in the Cavaliers’ lineup after a two-game absence, Watson started and played 28 minutes on Friday. He didn’t record any defensive stats, but the Cavaliers’ forward offered needed contributions on the glass. With Jarrett Allen (knee) out, Watson started at power forward, and his nine rebounds were the most among Cavaliers starters and his most in a game this season. Given the hamstring injury, we’ll see if Watson plays on Saturday against the Knicks.

With Jarrett Allen (knee) out, Mobley thoroughly dominated his matchup with 76ers center Joel Embiid. While “The Process” missed all nine of his field-goal attempts, Mobley shot well over 50 percent from the field and recorded a complete stat line. Through nine games, his fantasy value has aligned with his preseason ADP, a good start for those who invested a third-round pick in Mobley.

Mitchell didn’t have his most efficient night, shooting 1-for-6 from three and committing four turnovers. That said, category-league managers will be pleased with the Cavaliers guard’s rebounds and assists. Mitchell will look to have a cleaner outing on Saturday when the Cavaliers host the Knicks in their final game of the week.

Merrill started Friday’s game but struggled, missing all three of his shot attempts and going scoreless with three rebounds and two steals. Unfortunately, the Cavaliers’ guard injured his right elbow during the first half and will not return. Meleek Thomas started the third quarter and should play more minutes with Merrill out.

Peyton Watson will return to action on Friday but Jarrett Allen (knee) was ruled out. The Cavs will replace Jarrett Allen and Tyrese Proctor with Sam Merrill and Peyton Watson who will have the difficult task of stopping Jaylen Brown and LeBron James.