The Cleveland Cavaliers suffered a surprising 121-112 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 at Rocket Arena without their star guard, Darius Garland, who was sidelined with an injury. As they prepare to even the series in Game 2, speculation swirls about Garland’s potential return.
Garland has missed Cleveland’s last three games due to a sprained left big toe, an injury sustained late in the regular season and aggravated during Game 2 of the Cavs’ first-round sweep over the Miami Heat. However, despite being listed as questionable for tonight’s game, Garland has been ruled out and will not play against the Pacers, along with Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter.
According to the Akron Beacon Journal, Garland did not participate in the portion of practice open to the media on May 6 but was seen running on a treadmill in an adjacent training area.
So far, Garland has only appeared in two of the Cavaliers’ five NBA playoff games, both in the first-round series against the Heat. He was instrumental in those outings, recording 27 and 21 points respectively.
Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to a foul call during the third quarter against the Miami Heat of game one of the NBA Playoffs. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Cavaliers’ injury report
Garland isn’t the only injury concern for Cleveland. Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley and forward De’Andre Hunter are also listed as questionable for Game 2. Mobley sustained a sprained left ankle in Game 1, where he posted a strong stat line: 20 points on 9-of-13 shooting, 10 rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
see also
Cavaliers head coach praises Tyrese Haliburton’s Pacers after Game 1 performance
Hunter, meanwhile, suffered a sprained right thumb when it dislocated during a hard fall in Game 1 following a block by Pacers guard-forward Bennedict Mathurin. Despite the injury, Hunter played 30 minutes off the bench and contributed 11 points, four rebounds, and one assist in the series opener.
Pacers’ injury report
The visiting Pacers have no new injury updates beyond Isaiah Jackson, who is sidelined for the season due to an Achilles tear suffered earlier this year. Jackson will not be available for the matchup against Cleveland.
