Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks regular season game: Full injury report, who's out, and more (December 25, 2025)

The Cleveland Cavaliers play the New York Knicks on Christmas Day at Madison Square Garden in a game that matters for both the standings and the rotation decisions that come with injuries. Cleveland enters at 17-14 and sits seventh in the East. New York is 20-9 and second in the conference. The Knicks are favored by 5.5 points, with the total set at 239.5.

This game has more uncertainty than most holiday matchups. Both teams are dealing with injuries that could change how the game is played. If Donovan Mitchell and Jalen Brunson are available, the focus stays on star scoring. If either sits, the game shifts toward depth, rebounding, and execution.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Injury situation (December 25, 2025)

Cleveland Cavaliers’ frontcourt is thin. Larry Nance Jr. is out with a calf injury, and Max Strus remains sidelined with a fractured left foot and no return date. Evan Mobley is questionable with a calf issue, and Lonzo Ball is also questionable due to a knee problem. Without Mobley, Cleveland has struggled to rebound, ranking near the bottom of the league in recent games without him.

New York Knicks’ injury concerns are more spread out. Miles McBride and Landry Shamet are both out, limiting guard depth. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby are questionable with ankle injuries, while Guerschon Yabusele is dealing with an illness. Their availability will likely be decided close to tipoff.

How the absences affect each team

Mitchell is averaging 30.6 points per game and drives Cleveland Cavaliers’ offense. Darius Garland has been reliable from three-point range recently and could benefit against a Knicks defense that allows a high volume of perimeter shots. Jarrett Allen will be asked to do more inside if Mobley does not play, especially on the glass.

For New York, everything runs through Brunson when he is on the floor. His ability to slow the game down matters against a Cleveland team that prefers to play fast. Mitchell Robinson’s rebounding is a key advantage, and Karl-Anthony Towns adds spacing that can pull Cleveland’s bigs away from the rim.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Game outlook and betting angle (December 25, 2025)

Madison Square Garden favors the Knicks, who have been steady at home and more consistent against the spread. New York also won the first meeting this season, 119-111, back in October. Cleveland has struggled as a road underdog.

With injuries shaping rotations on both sides, the edge leans toward New York. A projected score around 122-114 fits the matchup, with the Knicks covering at home if Mobley or Brunson are limited or unavailable.


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