Cleveland Cavaliers News

EASTERN CENTRAL

James Harden • SG • Cavaliers

James Harden Arrested on Misdemeanor Weapons Charge

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden was arrested early Saturday in Houston and charged with misdemeanor unlawful carrying of a weapon, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reports. According to Harris County court records, officers observed a handgun in plain view, not holstered, on the seat of a car he owns around 3:41 a.m. Harden was released on a $100 bond, with an arraignment set for June 22. The Cavaliers said they are gathering information and in contact with Harden. For fantasy purposes, the on-court fallout looks minimal for now: the charge is a misdemeanor, and while the NBA could weigh discipline under its conduct policy, nothing suggests his availability is in question. The bigger variable remains his offseason, as Harden, a high-usage scorer who averaged 20.5 points and 4.8 assists with Cleveland, holds a player option and is expected to weigh an extension.

6 days ago

Donovan Mitchell • SG • Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell Remains Cleveland's Top Priority

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell is extension-eligible on July 7, and president of basketball operations Koby Altman made it clear the organization plans to keep building around him, according to cleveland.com's Chris Fedor. "He's our guy. Do we think we can win with him as the best player on a championship team? Yes," Altman said. The 29-year-old backed up that confidence with another high-end fantasy season, averaging 27.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 3.5 threes across 70 games. Cleveland's playoff run ended with a four-game Eastern Conference Finals sweep against New York, so the offseason focus now shifts to how Mitchell fits with James Harden and Evan Mobley. If the Cavaliers keep that core intact, Mitchell should remain the team's top scoring option and a strong early-round fantasy anchor.

May 30

Evan Mobley • PF • Cavaliers

Evan Mobley Finishes Season-Ending Loss With 15 Points

Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center Evan Mobley tallied 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and one steal in Monday's 130-93 blowout loss to the New York Knicks. Mobley, who finished 7-for-15 from the field in Game 4, played well throughout the series, but the Cavaliers fell well short in other areas. The 24-year-old finished the second season of a five-year, $269 million contract. In 2025-26, Mobley averaged career highs with 1.7 blocks and 3.6 assists. While his three-point efficiency declined, Mobley still notched 18.2 points and grabbed 9.0 rebounds per game. His high-level two-way ability makes Mobley an outstanding fantasy asset, and he hasn't even reached his prime yet.

May 26

James Harden • SG • Cavaliers

James Harden Wants to Stay in Cleveland

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden holds a $42.3 million player option on his contract for the 2026-27 season and wants to stay with the team, ESPN's Jamal Collier reports. "Definitely want to be here," Harden said after Monday's season-ending 130-93 loss to the New York Knicks. "I think we found something. It's tough. It's not ending how we wanted to, but I think we found something." Harden had a disappointing outing on Monday night, finishing with 12 points on a 2-for-8 effort from the field. But he showed strong play overall after arriving midseason from the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists. The former MVP formed an excellent backcourt partnership with Donovan Mitchell. Cleveland went 16-6 with Harden and Mitchell in the lineup, and the team's 122.1 offensive efficiency with the two on the floor would have ranked first in the NBA over a full season.

May 26

Donovan Mitchell • SG • Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell Remains Committed to Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell has no plans to move despite the team being swept in the Eastern Conference Finals by the New York Knicks. "I love it here. I don't know any other way to say it," Mitchell told reporters after Cleveland's season ended with a 130-93 blowout loss. The team struggled badly in Monday's elimination game despite Mitchell's 31 points. Mitchell reached the Conference Finals for the first time in his nine-year NBA career and clearly sees a bright future for the Cavaliers. He is eligible to sign a contract extension this offseason, ahead of his 30th birthday. While Mitchell isn't getting any younger, he still has plenty of fantasy value, having posted averages of 27.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.5 steals this season.

May 26

Dennis Schröder • PG • Cavaliers

Dennis Schroder is Ruled Out for Game 4 on Monday

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder (illness) has been downgraded to out ahead of Monday's Game 4 against the New York Knicks. Schroder was a late addition to the injury report due to an illness. It will ultimately force him to miss this game and possibly the rest of this series with the Cavs down 3-0 in the series. His absence will likely mean increased playing time for Keon Ellis. Schroder wasn't playing a ton this series anyway. Ellis might play minutes in the teens, but that likely won't be enough to warrant looking at him as a DFS option.

May 25

Evan Mobley • PF • Cavaliers

Evan Mobley Tallies Series-High 24 Points on Saturday

Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center Evan Mobley recorded 24 points, six rebounds, two assists, one block, and one three-pointer in Saturday's 121-108 Game 3 loss to the New York Knicks. The 24-year-old was a primary bright spot for Cleveland in the defeat, finishing 10-for-18 from the field and 3-for-4 from the free-throw line. While Mobley provided efficient scoring and defensive versatility, the Cavaliers struggled to contain a high-powered Knicks offense led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Despite Cleveland's star-studded lineup of James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, and Jarrett Allen remaining healthy for this contest, the team now faces a daunting 0-3 series deficit in the Eastern Conference Finals. Mobley has been a reliable fantasy performer throughout the 2026 postseason, but he will need to find another gear to keep the Cavaliers' season alive and avoid a sweep in Game 4.

May 24

Donovan Mitchell • SG • Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell Struggles at the Line Saturday

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell recorded 23 points, one rebound, four assists, three steals, and three three-pointers in Saturday's 121-108 Game 3 loss to the New York Knicks. The 29-year-old shot 9-for-21 from the field, but his 2-for-6 night at the foul line hurt an already thin margin for Cleveland. Mitchell still gave fantasy managers points, threes, and steals, although the lack of rebounding and modest assist total capped the line. With the Cavaliers down 3-0, he should carry another heavy scoring burden in Monday's elimination game.

May 24

Evan Mobley • PF • Cavaliers

Evan Mobley Fills the Box Score in Game 2 Loss

Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center Evan Mobley chipped in 14 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in Thursday's 109-93 Game 2 loss to the New York Knicks, knocking down two threes on 5-for-8 shooting. The 2024-25 Defensive Player of the Year stretched the floor and protected the rim, but his rebounding dropped off sharply from the 14 boards he grabbed in Game 1. Cleveland's frontcourt simply couldn't generate enough second-chance offense once an 18-0 Knicks third-quarter run flipped the game. Mobley remains a steady multi-category contributor whose blocks, boards, and improving outside touch give him a high fantasy floor even on a down scoring night. With the series shifting to Rocket Arena, expect his interior workload against Karl-Anthony Towns to climb in a near-elimination Game 3.

May 22

James Harden • SG • Cavaliers

James Harden Held to Two Assists Thursday

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden tallied 18 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals, and three three-pointers in Thursday's 109-93 Game 2 loss to the New York Knicks. The 36-year-old shot 6-for-15 from the field and 3-for-3 at the line, but his low assist total was a problem on a night when Cleveland's offense stalled badly. The Cavaliers shot only 38.8 percent overall and 9-for-35 from three-point range, falling into a 2-0 series hole. Harden can still supply scoring and steals, but Cleveland needs more playmaking from him in Game 3.

May 22

Donovan Mitchell • SG • Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell Leads Cavaliers in Scoring in Game 2 Defeat

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell paced his team with 26 points in Thursday's 109-93 Game 2 loss to the New York Knicks, sinking 8-of-9 at the free-throw line on a night the Cavs converted just 68.8 percent there as a group. The four-time All-Star shot 8-for-18 from the field with two threes, four rebounds, one assist, and one block, and his floater briefly cut the deficit to eight before an 18-0 Knicks third-quarter run buried Cleveland. "I thought our process was right tonight, so that gives me confidence going home," coach Kenny Atkinson said. Mitchell's volume and free-throw access keep his fantasy floor high regardless of efficiency, and a return to Rocket Arena down 2-0 sets up a likely usage spike. He poured in 48 points in a similar spot a year ago, so the ceiling for a Game 3 outburst is real.

May 22

James Harden • SG • Cavaliers

James Harden Struggles in Eastern Conference Finals Opener

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden had a tough time on the floor in Tuesday's 114-105 Game 1 loss to the New York Knicks. His offensive contribution was limited to 15 points and three assists with a 5-for-16 record from the field. The Knicks also exploited Harden on defense late in the game, with Jalen Brunson leading his team to the largest playoff comeback in franchise history. Harden, who went 1-for-8 with the three-ball, completed his line with four rebounds, one steal, one block, and six turnovers. While the biggest talking point after Game 1 is Harden's defense, he has also been off his game offensively, scoring just 24 points with a 7-for-26 effort from the field across the last two games.

May 20

Evan Mobley • PF • Cavaliers

Evan Mobley Bags Second Consecutive Double-Double

Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center Evan Mobley registered his second consecutive double-double with 15 points and a game-high 14 rebounds in Tuesday's 115-104 overtime loss to the New York Knicks. He blocked three shots and dished out three assists, but Mobley had little impact late in the game, when Cleveland fell apart and blew a 22-point fourth-quarter lead. Typically an efficient scorer, Mobley went 6-for-16 from the field and 2-for-8 from downtown during the Eastern Conference Finals opener. He will hope to turn things around in Game 3, where Mobley has a chance to record his first three-game postseason double-double streak since 2024.

May 20

Donovan Mitchell • SG • Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell Produces Top Two-Way Performance in Game 1 Loss

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell made a big impact on both ends in Tuesday's 115-104 overtime loss to the New York Knicks, leading his team with 29 points and six steals. He also grabbed five rebounds, delivered three assists, and blocked one shot, while going 12-for-23 from the field and 4-for-11 from downtown. Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, Mitchell didn't have much juice left for the latter stages of the game as the team blew a 22-point fourth-quarter lead. The star guard scored just three points after the third quarter. On a positive note, Mitchell has heated up since the start of the last round, and this is unlikely to remain his best outing of the series. In his last eight games, Mitchell has posted averages of 28.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals.

May 20

Dean Wade • PF • Cavaliers

Dean Wade Returns to Starting Unit Tuesday

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade will rejoin the starting lineup for Game 1 against the New York Knicks on Tuesday. In Sunday's Game 7 matchup with Detroit, Wade was benched in favor of Max Strus. He's now getting a new opportunity to start, though this is unlikely to impact his numbers. Wade has been limited to 4.7 points and 4.2 rebounds in 23.4 minutes per game this postseason. Strus makes a living as a three-point specialist and may get another chance in the first unit later in the series.

May 19

Larry Nance Jr. • PF • Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. is Questionable for Game 1 on Tuesday

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr. (illness) is listed as questionable ahead of Tuesday's Game 1 against the New York Knicks. Nance was forced to miss Games 6 and 7 of the previous series against the Detroit Pistons due to an illness. There's a chance that Nance misses the beginning of this series as well. He played a total of five minutes during the series against the Toronto Raptors and didn't play at all versus the Pistons. The status of Nance isn't crucial unless Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen pick up an injury. He won't be a viable DFS option even if he does suit up on Tuesday.

May 18

Sam Merrill • SG • Cavaliers

Sam Merrill Catches Fire in Game 7 Win

Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Sam Merrill recorded 23 points, one rebound, two assists, and one steal in Sunday's 125-94 Game 7 win over the Detroit Pistons. He shot 7-for-10 from the field, 5-for-8 from deep, and 4-for-4 at the line in 25 minutes while scoring 15 points before halftime. Merrill had totaled 29 points across the previous four games of the series, so this was a timely eruption. His fantasy appeal remains tied to three-point production, but nights like this show how quickly he can swing a matchup when the shooting volume spikes.

May 18

Evan Mobley • PF • Cavaliers

Evan Mobley Posts Versatile Double-Double in Game 7

Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center Evan Mobley accounted for 21 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, two steals, two blocks, and one three-pointer in Sunday's 125-94 Game 7 win over the Detroit Pistons. The 24-year-old shot 7-for-10 from the field and 6-for-11 at the line while delivering his first double-double of the series. Mobley averaged 18.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists during the regular season, and his ability to pair interior scoring with defensive production keeps him firmly in the top tier of fantasy big men when Cleveland gives him this much two-way responsibility.

May 18

Donovan Mitchell • SG • Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell Guides Cavaliers Into East Finals

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell finished Sunday's 125-94 Game 7 win over the Detroit Pistons with 26 points, six rebounds, eight assists, one steal, one block, and two three-pointers. The 29-year-old shot 10-for-22 from the field and 4-for-6 at the line while collecting a game-high eight assists, helping Cleveland secure its first Eastern Conference finals berth since 2018. Mitchell averaged 27.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists during the regular season, and this balanced closeout line showed how much fantasy value he can carry even when the scoring stays below his usual ceiling. Cleveland opens the next round Tuesday in New York.

May 18

Jarrett Allen • C • Cavaliers

Jarrett Allen Scores 23 Points in Cavs' Game 7 Rout of Pistons

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen tallied 23 points, seven rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block in Sunday's 125-94 Game 7 blowout win over the Detroit Pistons, punching Cleveland's ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals. Going 8-for-14 from the field, Allen was efficient and physical in a performance that kept foul trouble off the ledger for most of the night. He joined Donovan Mitchell (26), Evan Mobley (21), and Sam Merrill (23) in a four-man 20-point effort, the fourth time since the 1976-77 merger any team has achieved that in a Game 7. Allen draws New York's interior next, a favorable matchup worth monitoring ahead of the ECF.

May 18

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