Cleveland Cavaliers v Boston Celtics - Game Two
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 09: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the third quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at TD Garden on May 09, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Cleveland Cavaliers have failed to live up to their potential this season for multiple reasons. Injuries continue to hurt Cleveland after they entered the season as the betting favorites to make the NBA Finals and are nowhere near the top seed. Darius Garland suffered another injury last Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers to add more fear for his future.
ESPN reports that Garland is currently dealing with a Grade 1 sprain on his right big toe to block him from playing. Garland will miss at least one week before getting re-examined in seven to ten days. Cleveland fans feared the worst when Garland left the game during the third quarter of that game.
Turf toe has followed Garland as a lingering injury going back to last season, but it was on his left foot. Both feet having issues could be a bad sign for the future, unless the progress is shown during his next examination. Garland remains one of the most important players on the team as they try to salvage the season and still contend for an NBA Championship.
When Will Darius Garland Return?
The best-case scenario for Garland’s return to the court would come a week from now. At least six games will be missed by Garland, including Friday’s game against Philadelphia. Garland has missed seventeen games this season due to his injury woes presenting a problem. Cleveland has also missed Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Max Strus and others at various points this season to make health a flaw.
Garland’s optimistic one week timeline could easily extend if he’s not ready to play once the doctors check on his progress. The All-Star break is less than a month away, so the opportunity is there to be cautious if the injury is still an issue. Regardless, the Cavaliers must prove they can win with Garland out.
The Eastern Conference is wide open this year, and the favorite New York Knicks have struggled in recent weeks. Cleveland’s chances of contending are still alive, but Garland missing a lot of time will continue to haunt them in a season dominated by the injury bug.
Darius Garland Puts Pressure On Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland superstar Donovan Mitchell has played arguably the best stretch of his career so far this season. The team injuries and other flaws have forced Mitchell to do more on the offensive side than anyone expected with a loaded roster of talent.
Garland’s missed time due to injuries and the Cavaliers letting reserve Ty Jerome leave in free agency put a lot of pressure on Mitchell. The All-Star guard must score close to 30 points most nights for the team to have a chance against most teams.
The depth should see players like Mobley and De’Andre Hunter doing more during Garland’s time out. Mitchell has not complained about doing more this season, but he can only lead them so far. Garland is also an interesting name for the trade block if Cleveland decides to shake things up to improve their title chances.