The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to face the Indiana Pacers on the road for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, trailing 0–2 in the NBA series after back-to-back losses. Indiana, led by Tyrese Haliburton, has stunned Cleveland with a pair of clutch wins, including a dramatic game-winner in Game 2. Now, the focus shifts to the Cavaliers’ injury report—and whether key contributors Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter will be available.
None of the three suited up in Game 2 due to injuries: Hunter (thumb) and Mobley (ankle) were both hurt in Game 1, while Garland has yet to appear in the series. All three remain listed as questionable for Friday night’s pivotal matchup.
In Game 2, Haliburton sealed the win with a last-second bucket, improving his NBA career record in game-winning shot attempts to an astounding 10-of-11. His heroics overshadowed a 48-point performance from Donovan Mitchell, which ultimately wasn’t enough for a shorthanded Cavaliers squad.
Will they play tonight?
Cleveland received a dose of optimism Friday morning when Garland (toe), Hunter (thumb), and Mobley (ankle) were all seen taking part in the team’s morning shootaround in Indianapolis, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. While their official statuses remain uncertain pending pregame warmups, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on The Pat McAfee Show that all three players “intend to play” given the urgency of the situation.
Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson noted on Thursday that all three participated in the team’s walkthrough but stopped short of confirming their availability. “They all got some reps up, but we didn’t do anything live. They kind of participated in the walk-through, and [we’re] hoping for the best,” Atkinson said.
Darius Garland injury update
The All-Star guard has missed four straight playoff games after aggravating a toe injury during Cleveland’s first-round win over the Miami Heat. Garland was seen jogging on a treadmill during the Game 2 shootaround but did not dress. He remains listed as questionable.
Evan Mobley injury update
Mobley suffered a left ankle sprain in Game 1 vs Pacers, after landing awkwardly on Myles Turner’s foot while attempting a hook shot. Charania described Mobley’s status for Game 3 as “the biggest question” among the three.
De’Andre Hunter injury update
Hunter injured his right thumb in Game 1 after falling hard following a blocked shot by Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin. Though Hunter initially stated he wouldn’t miss time, he was ultimately held out of Game 2 and is officially questionable heading into Friday.