The Cleveland Cavaliers have nothing to play for on Sunday.
That’s usually a good thing, as it means that you’ve either locked up your playoff seed or that you’ll be picking near the top of the NBA Draft.
Fortunately, we’re talking about the first scenario here.
Notably, that’s also why coach Kenny Atkinson doesn’t want accidents to happen.
As pointed out by team insider Danny Cunningham on X, the Cavs will rest nine players during the regular-season finale vs. the Indiana Pacers.
Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Dean Wade, De’Andre Hunter, Sam Merrill, Ty Jerome, Isaac Okoro, and Max Strus will all be out and in street clothes on Sunday afternoon.
#Cavs list Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Dean Wade, De'Andre Hunter, Sam Merrill, Ty Jerome, Isaac Okoro and Max Strus all as out tomorrow in the season finale against Indiana.
— Danny Cunningham (@RealDCunningham) April 12, 2025
It’s also worth noting that Jarrett Allen won’t join them on the shelf because today’s game will give him a chance to appear in all 82 regular-season games for the first time in his career.
However, he’s not likely to play heavy minutes, and he will most likely sit out the remainder of the game after the first timeout.
There’s no point in risking injury at this point in the season.
The Pacers have also locked up their playoff seed, so they will most likely rest their starters as well and just approach this game as preparation for the postseason.
The Cavs won at least 64 games in a season, and that’s no small feat.
Now, they will have to wait and see who’s going to be their first-round opponent, with the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, and Orlando Magic as their potential opposition.
NEXT: Jarrett Allen Will Have Notable Career Milestone On Sunday
