Cavaliers to be without four players vs Jazz Monday

The Cleveland Cavaliers will be without four of their players Monday as they take on the Utah Jazz. 

Things could be just a little bit difficult for the Cleveland Cavaliers Monday. The Cavs will be without four of their players as they host the Utah Jazz.

Darius Garland, Tristan Thompson, Dante Exum, Alfonzo McKinnie are all listed as out. Dante Exum and Alfonzo McKinnie being out is expected. Exum suffered a sprained ankle February 24th and McKinnie has been dealing with a plantar fascia issue for quite some time. 

Garland is dealing with a groin injury and will miss Monday’s game. Thompson has a bruised knee and will also be held out. Thompson did not participate in Saturday’s loss to the Pacers.

This could cause some issues in regards to the Cavaliers starting lineup. The absence of Garland puts some pressure on Collin Sexton and his passing ability. While Sexton has improved in this area recently, it is still an area in need of work. 

The bench rotation may see Ante Zizic get some additional playing time. Larry Nance Jr. already sees plenty of minutes and the absence of Thompson against the Jazz and Rudy Gobert could result in Cleveland opting to go with Zizic just a little bit more than usual. Especially if Andre Drummond finds himself in foul trouble.