As the basketball landscape shifts toward curated paths and polished prospects, the league is quietly sustained by players who clawed their way up through the cracks. Two Cavaliers embody that old-school hunger — and their presence matters for Cleveland's contention and for the NBA itself.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant suffered a calf strain in a loss to the Cleveland Cavs on Saturday. In the 106-100 loss, Morant exited the game in the first quarter and was ruled out for the night. He's expected to miss two weeks.

A mid November showdown between Houston and Cleveland could set the stage for something far bigger when the stakes rise.

Scottie Barnes and the Toronto Raptors take on Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers at 7 ET on NBA TV.

Sam Merrill recaps what went right for the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Milwaukee Bucks and how the team is "getting close" offensively behind Donovan Mitchell.

The NBA features an eight game schedule on Monday, as three games start at 7 p.m. ET and the latest tip is Bulls vs. Nuggets at 9 p.m. ET. With

The team hasn't played its best basketball yet, partially because Darius Garland has only played in three games for the Cavs. That prompted NBA.com writer John Schuhmann to put the Cavs at No. 6 in his latest power rankings, one spot lower than the previous week.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The overzealous fan who ran onto the court during the Cavs-Nets game in Brooklyn last month has seen his final NBA contest. In person.