# Cavaliers Rotation Predictions for 2026-27

> Three Cavs players likely out of opening night rotation.
- Title: Cavaliers Rotation Predictions for 2026-27 | Shortify
- Summary: Three Cavs players likely out of opening night rotation. Tyrese Proctor, Nae’Qwan Tomlin, and one of Craig Porter Jr. or Meleek Thomas will not start…
- Keywords: cavaliers, lebron james, tyrese proctor, nae’qwan tomlin, craig porter jr, meleek thomas, kenny atkinson, nba, 2026-27 season, cleveland, sports, Rotation
- Source: Cleveland Cavaliers On SI — https://si.com/nba/cavaliers/onsi/predicting-the-odd-players-out-of-cavs-rotation-to-open-2026-27-campaign-01m3tc20dkjk
- Published: 2026-10-16T17:00:03+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cavaliers, lebron james, tyrese proctor, nae’qwan tomlin, craig porter jr, meleek thomas, kenny atkinson, nba, 2026-27 season, cleveland, sports
## Opening Night Rotation Decisions
NBA head coaches face tough choices six days before the regular season starts.
## Backup Point Guard Battle
The backup point guard battle remains ongoing with Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson competing.
## Tyrese Proctor's Status
Tyrese Proctor won't get minutes on opening night despite solid play since summer.
## Nae’Qwan Tomlin's Situation
Tomlin missed preseason with back injury and likely won't start the 2026-27 campaign.
## Three-Person Battle
Mario Hezonja, Thomas Bryant, and Nae’Qwan Tomlin compete for two spots in rotation.
## Khalifa Diop's Role
Khalifa Diop, a 2022 second-round pick, likely won't log many minutes this season.
## Craig Porter Jr. vs Meleek Thomas
One of Craig Porter Jr. or Meleek Thomas will be on the outside looking in.
## Opening Night Rotation
Starters: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Peyton Watson, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen.
## Reserves for 2026-27
Reserves: Craig Porter Jr., Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, Mario Hezonja, Thomas Bryant.
## Final Decision
Kenny Atkinson has the final say but this is what the author predicts for opening night.
## Key takeaway

Tyrese Proctor, Nae’Qwan Tomlin, and one of Craig Porter Jr. or Meleek Thomas will not start Cleveland's 2026-27 season.