The Cleveland Cavaliers entered the 2025-26 NBA season with championship aspirations following a 64-18 campaign that earned them the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Yet just two games into the new season, injuries have tested that optimism as they prepare to face the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night at Barclays Center.
Cleveland will once again be without All-Star guard Darius Garland, who continues to recover from offseason toe surgery, and forward Max Strus, who remains sidelined after fracturing his left foot during an offseason workout. To add to the challenge, forward De'Andre Hunter is questionable with a right knee contusion suffered in the preseason finale against Detroit.
Hunter's potential return could provide some relief. The forward practiced in limited fashion on Thursday in New York and appeared to move well, but head coach Kenny Atkinson will lean on the belief that the team will wait until closer to tipoff before making a decision.
Hunter's potential absence would leave Cleveland without three of its top six rotation players. His combination of defense and floor spacing was vital after he joined the team midseason last year, averaging 14.3 points and shooting 42.6 percent from three-point range. With him sidelined, second-year forward Jaylon Tyson or veteran Dean Wade could step into the starting lineup.
The Cavaliers' season opener offered a harsh reminder of how much they miss their full roster. In Wednesday's 119-111 loss to the New York Knicks, Cleveland fell behind by 15 points at halftime before rallying in the third quarter behind Donovan Mitchell's 31 points. The comeback fell short, though, as the Cavaliers were outscored 32-24 in the final period and were dominated on the glass 48-32.
"We're just figuring it out," Mitchell said. "You've got young guys, you've got veterans, different rotations. We have a lot to build on and a lot to work on."
Cleveland's big men struggled to impose their will. Jarrett Allen grabbed only four rebounds while Evan Mobley finished with eight. Neither recorded an offensive rebound, something the team must address against Brooklyn.
The Nets, meanwhile, are dealing with their own injury problems after a 136-117 loss to Charlotte in their opener. Rookies Danny Wolf and Drake Powell will miss Friday's home debut with ankle sprains, while Haywood Highsmith remains out recovering from knee surgery. Despite those absences, Brooklyn still boasts a physical frontcourt anchored by Nic Claxton, who scored 17 points against the Hornets.
Even with their lineup uncertainty, the Cavaliers are trying to maintain composure. Garland, who continues his recovery from turf toe surgery in June, provided a dose of optimism during Cleveland's opener. He said the worst of his recovery appears to be behind him.
"I couldn't walk during the playoffs," Garland said. "So it was hard for me to run. I just wanted to be out there for my teammates. It was tough, but I'm glad it's over."
Garland's absence last postseason was one of several setbacks that derailed Cleveland's championship hopes. Yet he remains confident that a healthy Cavaliers squad can contend with anyone in the league.
“I think we were right there in the race and hopefully right there in the race again,” Garland said. “That's what we're going for. I think that we're one of the top teams in this league."
Atkinson echoed that optimism, noting that Garland's progress has exceeded expectations. However, the Cavaliers have made it clear they will not rush Garland back.
“Let’s make sure we’re progressing because I want DG healthy long-term for the season, for the playoffs,” Atkinson said. “Really kind of having conversations with him, making sure the build-up is right. We’re erring on the side of long-term thinking.”
Even while sidelined, Garland's leadership has remained constant. He has been active in film sessions and practice discussions, offering input and studying other teams.
“He watches a lot of video, a lot of video of himself. He’ll send me stuff from other teams. He sent me something from Brooklyn, something we ran like four years ago, ‘Man, we could run this more.’ Sometimes he’ll tell the guy next to him [something] in the film room. It’s like, we all want to know. So you’ve got to pull some things from him sometimes. Him and Evan (Mobley) are both getting better at using their voice more. We need that because their voice carries a lot, carries more than mine, quite honestly. … I love when that happens.”
For now, Cleveland's focus is simple. They must stay afloat until reinforcements arrive. The Cavaliers believe their depth and defensive identity can help them weather this early adversity. Once Garland returns, the dynamic backcourt duo of Garland and Mitchell will once again be at the center of their championship chase.
Garland's exact return date remains uncertain, but based on his progress and growing confidence, it appears to be approaching sooner rather than later. For the Cavaliers, that is a promising sign as they look to secure their first win of the season and keep their title hopes intact.
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