Associated press

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland and New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram were among 14 players ruled out because of injuries for the team’s game Wednesday night.

Garland (left groin soreness) had started the first 16 games for Cleveland, which has the best record in the NBA at 15-1. The Cavaliers’ franchise record ended 120-117 in Boston on Tuesday, with Garland missing 18 of 21 field goal attempts.

Cleveland is also without rotation players Caris LeVert (left knee inflammation), Isaac Okoro (left ankle sprain), Sam Merrill (left ankle soreness), Dean Wade (left ankle sprain) and Max Strus (right ankle sprain).

“It tests our depth, but personally I like games like this because it also tests your roster,” Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said. “With 17 games in 29 days and a competition that plays faster, I don’t know how these guys are doing.”

Ingram (bilateral ankle sprain), who is averaging a team-high 23.2 points, also missed his first game of the season after playing 33 minutes in a 132-91 loss at Dallas on Tuesday night.

New Orleans’ top six scorers were unavailable in Cleveland, including three other starters: Zion Williamson (left hamstring strain), CJ McCollum (right adductor strain) and Trey Murphy III (right hamstring strain).

“We believe Brandon will do well, but given the circumstances and the minutes he played last night, this was a decision we came to,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said. “This is an opportunity for guys who normally wouldn’t be on the floor to get some time.”

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA