The Cavaliers list three players on the injury report for Saturday, including Garland. However, according to NBA Underdog, Cleveland now designates Garland as available to play against the Rockets.

Cleveland enters the contest after a road loss to the New York Knicks on Thursday in their NBA Christmas Day game. In that defeat, Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 34 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Darius Garland added 20 points and 10 assists, continuing to be a steady presence in the backcourt.

Houston also carries a notable concern. The Rockets list center Alperen Sengun as questionable with calf soreness, putting his availability in doubt and creating uncertainty for a team that relies heavily on his interior scoring and playmaking.

Darius Garland’s recent numbers

Garland’s impact on the Cavaliers remains significant, and his recent production reflects that influence. Over his last five games, he averages 21.4 points, 8.4 assists and 2.8 rebounds, while shooting an impressive 54.3 percent from three-point range in 31.6 minutes per game.

Potential adjustments if Sengun sits

If Sengun is sidelined against the Cavaliers, Steven Adams is expected to handle a larger role in the middle, with Jock Landale also seeing increased minutes in Houston’s frontcourt rotation.

Sengun’s absence would give Cleveland a clear advantage in the paint, allowing Jarrett Allen greater freedom around the rim and easing some defensive pressure. Still, the Cavaliers must remain disciplined on the perimeter, where Houston’s guards can change the game quickly if given space.

Darius Garland could make his return from injury on Friday, as he is listed as questionable for the game against the Pacers. The update aligns with earlier reports from Wednesday suggesting the guard was nearing a return to game action.

The report regarding Garland’s potential comeback against Indiana came from Shams Charania, and the possibility now appears realistic. Garland has appeared in only three games this season while dealing with a lingering toe issue that also bothered him at the end of last year.

In his three appearances this NBA season, Garland has averaged 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists in 24 minutes per game. He has yet to rediscover the rhythm he showed last season, but if he manages to stay healthy from this point forward, he will remain one of Cleveland’s key players to watch.

How the teams enter the matchup

Beyond Garland, the Cavs have several other names on their injury report. Jarrett Allen is also questionable with a right finger strain, while rookie Jaylon Tyson remains in concussion protocol. Sam Merrill will miss his second straight game due to a right hand sprain.

Cleveland enter the night at 10-6 and face a Pacers group that look very different from the team that eliminated the Cavs in the second round last spring. The Cavs are trying to position themselves once again among the top teams in their conference this season.

Indiana, meanwhile, are 2-13 and have been hit hard by injuries, headlined by Tyrese Haliburton’s ruptured Achilles suffered in Game 7 of last year’s Finals. Haliburton dominated Cleveland in that postseason series and was central to Indiana’s run.

The Pacers also lost Myles Turner in free agency to the Bucks and have been without key rotation pieces such as Aaron Nesmith and Obi Toppin. What was a Finals-caliber roster six months ago is now a patchwork group simply trying to stay afloat.

But this time, the spotlight shifted—at least briefly—to Darius Garland. After an encouraging performance in Game 4, Garland met with reporters postgame, his toe still recovering from injury but his resolve unwavering. “This franchise has been down 3–1 before,” Garland said. “This group can do it. We’ve got the talent, we’ve got the skill set. The camaraderie is always there. We just have to go out and play our brand of basketball—tough, physical, and together.”

Garland missed the early part of the series due to injury, but he returned with a renewed sense of urgency and leadership. Following Game 3, he spoke from the locker room about his motivation: “I just want to be out there for my guys,” he said. “Everyone’s been playing through injuries, putting their bodies on the line. We’re still fighting. I just want to do whatever I can to help us win this series.”

Cleveland now faces a near-impossible task—overcoming a 3–1 deficit against a red-hot Pacers team that has flipped the narrative after Cleveland’s dominant regular season.

Drawing Inspiration from History

Garland’s reference to a 3–1 comeback evokes one of the most iconic moments in sports history: the Cavaliers’ miraculous comeback in the 2016 NBA Finals, led by none other than LeBron James.

That year, Cleveland trailed 3–1 to a record-setting 73–win Golden State Warriors team loaded with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. But LeBron’s heroic NBA performance—back-to-back 41-point games in Games 5 and 6, and a triple-double in Game 7—became the stuff of legend.

What does LeBron need to achieve the comeback?

Kyrie Irving hit the series-defining shot over Curry in the final minute of Game 7, while LeBron delivered the iconic chase-down block on Andre Iguodala—a symbol of Cleveland’s relentless will.

Another key turning point came when Green was suspended for Game 5, disrupting the Warriors’ rhythm and giving the Cavs new life. From there, Cleveland’s defense locked in, their stars delivered, and the franchise claimed its first-ever NBA championship.

It was a perfect storm of talent, resilience, and timing—one Garland hopes this current group can somehow replicate. The task ahead is daunting, but Cleveland has seen the impossible before. Now, they’ll try to do it again.

“It’s easy for people to talk, but y’all don’t understand what I’m going through,” Garland told Joe Vardon of The Athletic following Friday’s win. “Everybody has their opinions. I’m out there playing basketball. Everybody’s dealing with nicks and bruises this time of year. I’m just trying to go out and help us win this series.”

While Garland didn’t light up the box score—finishing with 10 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists—his presence alone provided a needed boost. The All-Star guard, considered Cleveland’s secondary star behind Donovan Mitchell, is expected to build momentum as the series continues.

Mobley anchors Cavs on both ends

If there was a defining moment that shifted the tone of the series, it came with Evan Mobley’s emphatic rejection of Tyrese Haliburton at the rim. That single defensive stand seemed to reignite the Cavaliers’ identity as a gritty, physical, defense-first team—and they never looked back.

Mobley, also returning from injury, delivered a standout performance with 18 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocks. His impact went beyond the numbers. From defending the paint to facilitating offense, Mobley reminded everyone why he’s viewed as a foundational piece of the NBA franchise.

“He was incredible,” said Donovan Mitchell, who scored a game-high 43 points in another signature postseason showing. “You saw Evan blocking shots, scoring, being that presence down low with [Jarrett Allen]. It just makes everything easier for us.”

Atkinson: “Now or never”

Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson echoed the urgency the team felt heading into Game 3.“Yeah, I guess you just get adrenaline going and, listen, those guys — we were down 2-0,” Atkinson said. “It was kind of now or never.”

With Garland and Mobley back in the lineup and Mitchell performing at an elite level, Cleveland suddenly looks like a team capable of pushing this series the distance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Just before the game, Danny Cunnningham reported that the Cavaliers star Darius Garland will be out of the game due to his left foot injury. According to Cleveland.com, Garland practiced at the University of Miami on Sunday afternoon to test his recovery. Still, the team has decided not to consider him for Game 4.

Considering that Cleveland leads the series 3-0, they decided to rest Garland instead of risking his health. Throughout the season, the Cavaliers have prioritized protecting their key players. In addition, the team handled Game 3 without Garland, with De’Andre Hunter stepping up and helping secure a comfortable win.

How has Darius Garland performed with the Cleveland Cavaliers so far in the playoffs?

At 25 years old, Darius Garland is playing in the first round of the NBA Playoffs for the third time. He is having the best statistical season of his career. In two games, he has averaged 24 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 7 assists. Garland has also been the perfect complement to Donovan Mitchell playing a crucial role in the team’s offensive creation.

Miami Heat look to pull off upset against Cavaliers in pivotal Game 4 showdown

The Miami Heat must win to stay alive in the playoffs. Unlike the Cavaliers, they have not won a single game. Because of this, they face elimination if they lose again. However, they could still surprise Cleveland and force a Game 5. The Cavaliers have shown they sometimes lower their level when leading a series. If they ease up, the Heat could take full advantage. Therefore, Miami will need to stay aggressive and capitalize on any slip from Cleveland.

If the Heat lose, the Cleveland Cavaliers will qualify directly for the semifinals. They would be the second team, after the Oklahoma City Thunder, to secure a spot in the next round. This would give Cleveland a great advantage, as they would have more time to rest and prepare for their next opponent. They would then face the winner of the Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks series.

Green, whose defensive game has flourished since the arrival of Jimmy Butler to Golden State, has declared himself the leading candidate. However, Garland believes Mobley’s quiet dominance on the court sets him apart as the true contender for the prestigious award.

After a victory over the Chicago Bulls, Garland appeared to take a subtle dig at Green while passionately explaining why Mobley should claim the DPOY honor. “He doesn’t hack, he doesn’t scream at the refs, he goes [and] blocks shots,” Garland said. “His deflection numbers are off the charts. He guards one through five. I mean, what doesn’t he do? He just doesn’t express it how other people express it”.

Garland seemed to contrast Mobley’s composed demeanor with Green’s fiery on-court personality but was quick to emphasize his teammate’s dominance as a defender.

“That’s just a little bit of my case,” Garland added. “I can go on Twitter and podcasts and do the same thing for my boy. But I’m [going to] let him talk his talk whenever he wants to”.

Why Draymond Green believes he deserves DPOY

In a recent episode of his podcast, The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis, the four-time NBA champion outlined why he believes he should take home the DPOY award this season, citing a unique skill set unmatched by others in the league.

“No matter what the situation is for me defensively, I’m fit for it,” Green explained. “I protect the rim, I can guard the pick and roll, I can trap the pick and roll and still guard my man without help, which I think is a skill that I have in the NBA that I don’t think anyone else possesses”.

Green continued, pointing to his basketball IQ as another key factor. “Then also my basketball IQ—I think I see plays way before they happen,” he said. “I can spot something, I can sniff something out in a heartbeat, and I’m quick enough, I’m strong enough to react and address the issue”.

“My rookie year, my first preseason game was against D-Rose when he was in Detroit. I was like, ‘Man, this is insane,'” Garland recalled during an interview on The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis. The Cleveland guard immediately elaborated on the deep connection he feels with Derrick Rose, citing the influence of the Bulls legend on his own journey.

“I’m a Gary, Indiana kid, born and raised in Gary, Indiana-by way of Nashville… D-Rose just had the whole region on lock-from Indiana to Chicago, damn near the whole world, not even gonna lie to you,” Garland explained.

For Darius, Derrick Rose’s rise to stardom in Chicago was a pivotal moment. “That number one jersey-that was the first jersey I had, and that was the only one I had,” the guard shared, referencing the Bulls jersey Rose wore during his 2011 MVP season, a No. 1 jersey that will soon be retired by the Bulls in his honor.

Derrick Rose’s impact

Delving into his admiration for Rose, Darius Garland explained how the Bulls legend influenced him and others his age. “The youngest MVP in the league. It just brought so much inspiration for us,” the Cleveland star said. “We used to lower the goal so I could go dunk like D-Rose.”

Darius went on to discuss the qualities that made Derrick Rose such a special player. “He was just relentless-get it by any means necessary,” he said. “He couldn’t shoot it as well, but just his handle, his quickness, and just getting to the paint, shooting a floater, using his athleticism-which I don’t have. Wish I had it.”

Derrick Rose’s NBA career

Derrick Rose’s career began with immense promise. Selected as the first overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, he quickly became a superstar and the leader of the Chicago Bulls. At the time, the franchise was facing a critical rebuilding phase, a decade after Michael Jordan’s definitive departure.

As Garland noted, Rose made history by becoming the youngest player to win the NBA MVP at just 22 years old and in his third season. However, Derrick’s path was marred by injuries, which hindered his ability to maintain his elite level of play. After seven seasons in Chicago, he left in 2016, spending time with the New York Knicks and several other franchises before retiring in 2024 with the Memphis Grizzlies, never fully recapturing his peak form.

Rose’s lasting impact on the game

Despite his injury struggles, Derrick Rose’s impact on the NBA is undeniable. He remains one of the greatest players in Chicago Bulls history and will soon have his No. 1 jersey hanging in the United Center rafters. More importantly, Rose’s legacy as a trailblazer and inspiration continues to influence a generation of NBA players, like Darius Garland, who now stand as some of the league’s brightest stars.

Garland, who delivered a standout performance in a recent win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, reflected on the team’s journey during an interview on The Draymond Green Show.

“To be completely honest with you, I would say this summer we really got locked in and knew what we wanted to do and accomplish,” Garland shared. “Donovan knew I was upset about last year—not just with my performance but also from a team perspective. We just sat down and talked, really explained to each other what we had to do to win. It was a grown-man conversation, unfolding everything. That was the first grown-man conversation I’ve had in the league so far.”

Cleveland’s success this season is no coincidence. The franchise has taken significant strides, not only in terms of on-court performance but also in fostering chemistry and accountability among its players. Mitchell’s leadership has been pivotal, helping the Cavaliers bounce back after falling short against the Boston Celtics in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals.

The stats that define growth

Mitchell’s individual numbers have slightly dipped—23.1 points and 4.5 assists per game compared to 26.6 points and 6.1 assists last season—but his impact on the Cavaliers transcends stats. He has embraced a leadership role, prioritizing team success over personal accolades.

Meanwhile, Garland has elevated his game, averaging 21.2 points (up from 18.0 last season) and 6.8 assists (up from 6.5). His growth as both a scorer and playmaker has been instrumental in complementing Mitchell’s leadership, solidifying their backcourt as one of the NBA’s most dynamic duos.

A balanced team effort

The Cavaliers’ success isn’t just about their stars—it’s the result of contributions across the roster. Cleveland has developed a balanced attack, thriving on both ends of the court. Mitchell’s willingness to share the spotlight and Garland’s improvements have created a cohesive and efficient unit.

Eyes on the prize

Last season’s Eastern Conference Finals loss served as a wake-up call for the Cavaliers, fueling their determination to excel this year. With sights set firmly on the NBA Finals, the Cavaliers are proving that strong leadership, accountability, and team chemistry are the keys to unlocking their potential.

If Cleveland continues on this path, they won’t just be remembered for their stars but for embodying the essence of teamwork and resilience—a franchise rising to greatness, one win at a time.

“I’m trying to be as humble as possible. But… yeah, I should be an All-Star,” Garland said in a postgame interview shared by reporter Chris Fedor on his X account. He went on to add, “There should be four of us on this team that are All-Stars.”

Darius’ confidence mirrors the Cavaliers’ impressive form. While he didn’t explicitly name the other three, it’s likely he was referring to teammates Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, and Donovan Mitchell—all of whom have played pivotal roles in Cleveland’s rise to the top.

The Cavaliers’ performance against Oklahoma City underscored their balanced roster. Allen led the team with 25 points, while Mobley added 21, and Garland contributed 18. Mitchell chipped in 11 points, matching Dean Wade, while key bench contributions came from Max Strus and Ty Jerome. The game demonstrated not only the brilliance of Cleveland’s stars but also the depth and versatility of their roster.

Mitchell praises team growth

Donovan Mitchell, a cornerstone of the Cavaliers’ success, lauded the collective effort after the game. Speaking to reporters, Mitchell highlighted how the team’s chemistry has been critical to their success this season. “It just speaks to our growth,” Mitchell said, per ESPN. “I told everybody after the game, as a unit, we don’t win this game last year.”

Mitchell emphasized the team’s ability to rely on contributions from across the roster. “Everybody that came in did something positive to affect the game, whether it was scoring, rebounding, defending, whatever it may be. That’s a team win, and that’s what it’s going to take for us to be the team we want to be.”

The 28-year-old shooting guard was thrilled with the victory, calling it a significant moment in the Cavaliers’ season. “Honestly, man, that’s a big win. I think we’re all excited about it,” Mitchell said. However, he tempered the excitement with perspective, adding, “Obviously, this is one game, and no championships are won tonight, but it’s something to be proud of.”

What’s next for the Cavaliers?

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder not only solidified their status as a top contender but also reaffirmed their league-best 32-4 record. However, with the season far from over, the team knows they must remain focused to maintain their position atop the standings.

Their next challenge comes quickly, as Cleveland is set to face the Toronto Raptors at home this Thursday. With the Raptors eager to climb the Eastern Conference ladder, the Cavaliers will need to bring the same level of intensity and depth that has propelled them to this dominant start.