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Cavs lose big man to back injury right before season

The Cleveland Cavaliers will begin the 2026-27 NBA season without forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin after the 25-year-old was diagnosed with a lower back stress reaction. With Cleveland preparing for Thursday’s season opener against LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers at 7…

By Julian Ojeda · Cavs Nation

Published: Tuesday, 20 October 2026 at 3:37 PM

Key Things to Know

Nae’Qwan Tomlin has been diagnosed with a lower back stress reaction and will miss several weeks.
The 25-year-old Cavaliers forward will be officially re-evaluated in three to four weeks.
Tomlin missed all three exhibition games and was held out of Monday's team practice.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin will miss the start of the 2026-27 NBA season due to a lower back stress reaction. The 25-year-old big man is scheduled for re-evaluation in three to four weeks, ruling him out ahead of Thursday's season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Tomlin missed all three preseason games with back discomfort after playing 64 games during the 2025-26 campaign. Cleveland is also monitoring guard Sam Merrill, who was limited in Monday's practice due to right elbow soreness.

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Cavs lose big man to back injury right before season

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