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The team’s marquee players, LeBron James and Luka Doncic, have been among the most costly absences. James, out with a right sciatica injury, carries a $52 million cap hit and is not expected back until mid-November. Doncic will miss at least a week due to a left finger sprain and lower leg contusion, a timeline that remains unpredictable. With both stars sidelined, head coach JJ Redick has been forced to rely on his supporting cast. Bench Depth Under Pressure The bench was expected to carry the load through early-season injuries, but inconsistencies and further absences have compounded the problem. Austin Reaves has been a bright spot, recording a career-high 51 points in Sunday’s 127-120 victory over the Sacramento Kings, but his heroics cannot mask the roster’s vulnerabilities. Other key players, including Gabe Vincent ($11.5M), Marcus Smart ($5.1M), Maxi Kleber ($11M), Jaxson Hayes ($3M), and rookie Adou Thiero ($1.2M), are all sidelined for varying stretches due to ankle, quad, oblique, and knee issues. Vincent, who rolled his ankle against the Kings, was seen in a walking boot. Smart sustained a right quad contusion. Kleber and Thiero are both awaiting further evaluation, with timelines for return still uncertain. Financial and Strategic Implications
