Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland is listed as questionable for the team’s Eastern Conference semifinal series opener against the Indiana Pacers. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday.
Garland is dealing with a sprained left big toe. The injury caused him to miss the Cavaliers' final two regular season games and the final two games of their first-round sweep of the Miami Heat.
Coach Kenny Atkinson said Garland did not participate in practice on Saturday after a full-contact session the day prior. Atkinson indicated the status of the sixth-year pro is likely a game-time decision.
The coach also stated that Garland may need to play through the injury for the duration of the playoffs. "The toe's a tough one," Atkinson said, noting the pain involved but adding that Garland was moving well while shooting.
During the regular season, Darius Garland averaged 20.6 points and 6.7 assists. He scored 27 points in the Cavaliers' Game 1 victory over the Heat on April 20.
Sources indicate the Pacers are expected to challenge Garland on defense, potentially targeting his toe injury and pre-existing defensive limitations. Indiana plays at a high pace and features players like Tyrese Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard who can pressure opposing guards.
If Garland is unable to play, Sam Merrill or Isaac Okoro are potential candidates to start. Merrill has been in the starting lineup for the last two contests.
Podcast discussions suggest the impact of bench players, including Merrill's spacing, Okoro's defensive potential versus offensive constraints, and Dean Wade's defensive versatility, will be closely watched.
Coach Atkinson is expected to make personnel decisions focused solely on giving the team the best opportunity to win the series, prioritizing team performance over individual player feelings or roles in this stage of the playoffs. Learn more about the strategic implications.
