CLEVELAND, Ohio — Darius Garland (injury management) will not suit up for the Cavs on Saturday night against the Bulls. The team is opting for precautionary rest on the second night of a back-to-back, prioritizing long-term health over short-term availability following offseason surgery on his left great toe.
Garland, who played in two consecutive games after returning from his seven-game absence to start the season, made an immediate impact upon rejoining the lineup. His steady playmaking and shot creation helped the Cavaliers secure back-to-back wins, including a 148–115 dismantling of the Washington Wizards on Friday night.
That victory pushed Cleveland to 6-3 and extended its winning streak to three games. With Garland on the floor, the Cavs had an offensive rating of 131.4 and a net rating of 22.7.
Without Garland, the Cavaliers’ offensive structure will shift once again.
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Donovan Mitchell is expected to resume his duties as de facto point guard, while utilizing Lonzo Ball’s court awareness and ability to create transition opportunities off the bench.
That move opens a spot in the starting lineup for either Sam Merrill or Jaylon Tyson, two players who have each stepped into bigger roles early in the season.
Merrill began the year as the starting shooting guard while Garland was sidelined, providing floor spacing and off-ball movement that helped stretch defenses.
Tyson, meanwhile, has earned rotational minutes and multiple spot starts as injuries to Merrill and De’Andre Hunter have shuffled the wing depth. His blend of defensive energy and secondary playmaking has been a pleasant surprise for head coach Kenny Atkinson, who has emphasized lineup flexibility.
The Cavs’ offense will need to generate paint touches through collective effort rather than individual creation. Garland’s absence limits their ability to collapse defenses off the dribble, placing greater importance on Mitchell’s rim pressure, Evan Mobley’s elbow playmaking, and the team’s ball movement to create clean looks.
Saturday’s opponent, the Chicago Bulls, present a unique challenge. They’ve opened the season 6-2 behind a fast-paced attack and a rejuvenated defensive mindset led by former Cavalier Isaac Okoro.
Okoro, who was traded to Chicago over the summer, has brought his trademark intensity and versatility to the Bulls’ perimeter defense, setting a tone for a team that thrives on turning stops into transition opportunities.
Both teams play with pace, but this matchup could hinge on execution in the halfcourt.
For the Cavaliers, it’s another test of adaptability. A chance to prove they can continue their winning ways even after beginning to get comfortable with their floor general on the court.
Cleveland’s focus remains clear. Manage Garland’s recovery carefully now to ensure he’s healthy when the postseason rolls around.
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