Wizards vs Cavaliers Prediction: Preview, Injury Report, How to Watch

The Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Washington Wizards on Friday, December 12, at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. The game tips at 7:00 p.m. ET and brings together two teams moving in opposite directions late in the week.

This Wizards vs Cavaliers prediction centers on depth, health, and recent form. Cleveland enters with playoff expectations, while Washington continues a rebuilding season with multiple rotation players sidelined.

Wizards vs Cavaliers Prediction Key Details

The Cavaliers arrive with a 14–11 record and are coming off a rare extended break. Injuries have disrupted their rotation this season, but the time off allowed several core players to recover and reset.

Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland remain the focal points of Cleveland’s offense. Evan Mobley’s role has expanded with Jarrett Allen unavailable, placing more responsibility on him in the paint at both ends.

Washington enters at 3–19 and continues to search for consistency. The Wizards rank near the bottom of the league in both offensive efficiency and defensive rating, according to league tracking data cited by the Associated Press.

The Wizards are also significantly short-handed. Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Corey Kispert, and Khris Middleton are all ruled out. That leaves a young starting group led by CJ McCollum and Marvin Bagley III.

Defensively, Washington has struggled to protect the rim and control the glass. That directly impacts this Wizards vs Cavaliers prediction, as Cleveland’s size advantage is one of the clearest mismatches in the game.

Evan Mobley has posted strong rebounding numbers over his last several outings. With Allen sidelined again, Mobley is expected to log heavy minutes at center and anchor the Cavaliers’ interior defense.

Cleveland’s defense ranks inside the top ten league-wide. That unit faces a Wizards offense averaging just over 112 points per game, one of the lowest marks in the NBA.

The Cavaliers’ challenge will be maintaining focus on the road. They have been inconsistent away from home, but this matchup offers a chance to stabilize before a tougher stretch of the schedule.

Injury Report and Lineup Watch

The Cavaliers injury report lists Jarrett Allen, Max Strus, Sam Merrill, Larry Nance Jr., and Luke Travers as out. Garland and Mitchell are expected to start and handle primary ball-handling duties.

Washington’s injury list is longer. Alex Sarr is out with an adductor issue. Bilal Coulibaly, Corey Kispert, and Khris Middleton also remain unavailable. Malaki Branham is listed as questionable.

These absences force Washington to rely heavily on younger players. The lack of shooting depth and wing defense remains a major concern heading into Friday.

How to Watch Wizards vs Cavaliers

The game will be televised locally on MNMT and FanDuel Sports Network Ohio. National viewers can also watch via NBA League Pass.

Streaming options include Fubo for viewers with access to the regional broadcast. The game will be played at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC.

Analysis and Game Outlook

This Wizards vs Cavaliers prediction leans heavily on roster health and defensive structure. Cleveland has the edge in experience, depth, and efficiency on both ends of the floor.

Washington’s recent performances show effort but limited execution. Missing multiple starters against a top-ten defense leaves little margin for error.

If Cleveland controls the pace and limits transition mistakes, the matchup favors the visitors. The Wizards will need strong shooting nights from McCollum and Bagley to remain competitive.

The Wizards vs Cavaliers prediction points toward Cleveland asserting control early. The Cavaliers’ size, defense, and healthier core give them a clear path to a road win on December 12.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What time is Wizards vs Cavaliers on December 12?

The game tips off at 7:00 p.m. ET. It will be played at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC.

Q2: How can fans watch Wizards vs Cavaliers live?

The game airs on MNMT and FanDuel Sports Network Ohio. It is also available on NBA League Pass and select streaming services.

Q3: Who is out for the Wizards against the Cavaliers?

Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Corey Kispert, and Khris Middleton are out. Malaki Branham is listed as questionable.

Q4: Why is Evan Mobley important in this matchup?

Mobley is starting at center with Jarrett Allen out. He is expected to play heavy minutes and control the paint.

Q5: Where is Wizards vs Cavaliers being played?

The game will be played at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC.