Cleveland Cavaliers Face Injury Crisis
CLEVELAND, OHIO – On February 11, 2026, during a matchup against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland Cavaliers’ player Keon Ellis was seen maneuvering the basketball down the court, just hours before the team faced a wave of injury setbacks.
Recent Games and Injury Updates
After an impressive victory against the New York Knicks, which saw the Cavaliers showcasing their skills, disaster struck for the team. Star guard James Harden sustained a fracture to the top of his thumb during that game, an injury that would bear consequences for the team’s depth. As if that wasn’t enough, the following evening brought additional misfortune; both Dennis Schroder and Dean Wade reportedly sustained ankle injuries during a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
The avalanche of bad luck continued when the Cavaliers announced on the morning of February 11 that Keon Ellis had indeed broken his finger. His injury, characterized as a non-displaced solar plate avulsion in his left index PIP joint, occurred in the previous night’s game against the Bucks. Despite the severity of the situation, it remains uncertain whether Ellis will miss extended time as he is currently listed as questionable for the upcoming game against the Detroit Pistons. Harden finds himself in a similar predicament regarding his availability for that game.
Challenges Ahead for the Cavaliers
This injury comes at a critical juncture for the Cavaliers, who are racing against the clock as they aim to optimize their lineup combinations with the playoffs fast approaching. With only 22 games remaining in the season, Coach Kenny Atkinson faces the pressing challenge of piecing together a competitive squad while dealing with multiple injuries. Compounding the issue is that Donovan Mitchell will also be sidelined for the Pistons game due to a groin strain.
Ellis’s Performance and Future Outlook
On a positive note, Ellis has begun to establish himself within the Cavaliers’ roster. In his nine games since joining the team, he has averaged 6.4 points, 1.9 assists, 1.6 steals, and one block per game, reflecting his prowess as a defensive specialist. Notably, he scored 14 points in the loss to Milwaukee, hitting four three-pointers on eight attempts.
The Cavaliers’ injury woes raise concerns as the team looks to solidify their position heading into the final stretch of the regular season. How the Cavaliers navigate these challenges will be crucial for their playoff aspirations.
