Cavaliers vs Wizards

Jamir Watkins

WAS · SF

Knee: Watkins, a two-way player for the Wizards, suffered the injury during the Summer League. Although Washington has yet to offer a timetable for a return, a typical recovery time for the procedure is approximately 9-to-12 months. That leaves Watkins in serious jeopardy of missing most, if not all, of the 2026-27 season, and it remains to be seen if the team will continue keeping him around on a two-way roster spot while he's injured.

Jaylon Tyson

CLE · SF

Ankle: Tyson is dealing with a right ankle sprain and won't suit up Saturday, with his next chance to play coming Monday against the Thunder. With the 23-year-old forward sidelined, Mario Hezonja, Sam Merrill and Meleek Thomas (foot) are candidates for increased playing time.

Justin Champagnie

WAS · SF

Foot: The forward underwent surgery Wednesday to address a fractured foot, and the Wizards hope Champagnie will be ready to return at some time around the All-Star break in February. The likes of Bilal Coulibaly, Tre Johnson and Bub Carrington will all be asked to help pick up the slack for the foreseeable future.

Tristan Vukcevic

WAS · PF

Hip: Although the big man will remain a limited participant in training camp as he continues his rehab from a hip impingement, it sounds like his absence from game action will extend into the regular season. Deandre Ayton should have the backup center role all to himself until Vukcevic is cleared to retake the floor.