Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin sidelined with back injury

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin has been diagnosed with a lower back stress reaction, which will sideline him for the start of the 2026-27 NBA season. Tomlin is expected to be re-evaluated in three to four weeks.

The injury is a setback for the 25-year-old, who was positioned to compete for a significant role in Head Coach Kenny Atkinson’s rotation, specifically as a primary backup power forward following the departure of Dean Wade. During the previous season, Tomlin appeared in 64 games, averaging 5.8 points and 2.9 rebounds per contest.

The Cavaliers are scheduled to open their season against the Philadelphia 76ers. The loss of Tomlin reduces the team's frontcourt depth as they aim to build on their recent run to the Eastern Conference Finals.