The Cleveland Cavaliers (37-23) have been stung by the injury bug and are 1-2 over their last three games. More injuries could plague Cleveland for tonight’s 7:00 p.m. ET tip-off on ESPN against the Detroit Pistons (43-14).
According to the NBA injury report, Cavaliers SG Donovan Mitchell (groin) will miss his second consecutive game. After sitting out on Wednesday, Cavaliers PG James Harden (thumb) could also miss his second straight matchup.
Let’s look at the latest James Harden injury update and how it could impact PrizePicks NBA projections for the Cavaliers vs. Pistons.
{{nba_offer_banner="/style-system/ui-components-playbook"}}
James Harden Injury Update: Is He Playing vs. Pistons?
Harden could be trending toward a return, as he appeared at Friday morning’s shootaround. The veteran guard has made a notable impact in only seven games with the Cavaliers, posting 18.9 points per game (PPG) and 8.0 assists per game (APG).
When Mitchell is off the court, Harden sports a 27.8% usage rate (second on the team), per FantasyLabs. With a +4.3% increase in usage rate when Mitchell is out, the 6’5” guard may play a notable role if active.
Furthermore, Harden’s 5.9 3-point attempts per game rank third in Cleveland’s rotation, and he boasts a 48.8% 3-point percentage in a Cavs uniform. According to Dunks & Threes, the Pistons rank 23rd in 3-point shot distribution allowed.
PrizePicks currently projects the former MVP for 21.5 points and 2.5 made 3-pointers on Friday night.
James Harden Injury Impact: Which Cavaliers Players to Target?
If Harden doesn't suit up, who could provide value? This would mean plenty of available shots, as Mitchell (20.6) and Harden (12.4) rank first and third on the team in attempts per game.
When the two are off the court, Cavaliers PF-C Evan Mobley’s usage rate increases by +8.5% (first on the team). His gaudy 31.0% usage rate certainly catches the eye.
However, we’ve yet to see a full game without Mitchell and Harden while Mobley is active, as the 6’11” man also missed Wednesday’s bout against the Bucks.
Plus, Mobley has posted only 12.3 PPG in February. He takes 62.2% of his shots within 10 feet of the rim, and Detroit allows only 42.6 points in the paint per game (third).
Cavaliers G Dennis Schroder sees a notable +6.2% increase in his usage rate when Mitchell and Harden are off the court. He rose to the occasion on Wednesday, with 26 points and 3 triples.
Schroder (ankle) is probable and was active at Friday morning’s shootaround.
Evan Mobley vs. Pistons Projections, Picks
Check out some of Evan Mobley’s projections on PrizePicks for Friday night’s prime-time collision.
- 15.5 Points
- 25.5 Pts + Rebs + Asts
- 7 Rebounds
- 2.5 Dunks
- 33 Fantasy Score
{{nba_offer_banner="/style-system/ui-components-playbook"}}
Make Cavaliers vs. Pistons Picks on PrizePicks
If Harden is unavailable, Mobley draws attention as the Cavaliers’ third-leading scorer with 17.5 PPG. After posting 26 points on Wednesday, Schroder is another potential target against the Pistons.
You can make your Cavaliers vs. Pistons picks on PrizePicks and PrizePicks Team Picks to earn real money. Just pick players, predict More or Less on their projected stats, and cash in if you’re correct. With Team Picks, make predictions on winners, spreads, and over/unders, now available in 34 states.
Stick around with the Playbook for continued NBA predictions, picks, and news every day until the 2026 NBA Finals.
