### Cavaliers Face Injury Challenges Ahead of Celtics Matchup

As the Cleveland Cavaliers prepare to extend their undefeated streak to 16 games, they face significant injury challenges ahead of their Tuesday night clash with the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. The team has reported several key players as potentially unavailable for the game, heightening the difficulty of maintaining their impressive run.

Four rotation players have surfaced on Cleveland’s injury report: Dean Wade, Isaac Okoro, Sam Merrill, and Caris LeVert. Wade has been ruled out with a left ankle sprain suffered during Sunday's victory over the Hornets. Okoro and Merrill, both dealing with ankle issues, along with LeVert, who has a knee concern, are listed as questionable. These potential absences could leave the Cavaliers with a depleted roster against a formidable Boston team.

Donovan Mitchell, who was rested during Sunday's game, will rejoin the lineup, providing a crucial boost to the Cavs. However, the Celtics might also be missing players, as Payton Pritchard was recently added to their injury report due to thumb soreness. Kristaps Porzingis, still recovering from surgery, made an encouraging return to practice on Monday.

The approaching game marks the first meeting between these teams since the Celtics triumphed over the Cavs in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, winning the series 4-1. Cavaliers' standout Jarrett Allen missed that series, and Mitchell was sidelined for the last two games with a hamstring injury.

In addition to the NBA Cup implications, Cleveland's head coach Kenny Atkinson views the encounter as a critical test for his thriving squad. “It's great for the NBA," Atkinson remarked following the Cavs' victory against the Hornets. He emphasized the excitement surrounding the matchup, highlighting the significance of playing at the historic Boston Garden.

The much-anticipated game will tip off at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast nationally on TNT, promising an intense and competitive showdown between two teams with high aspirations this season.