Cavaliers Injury Update: Garland, Mobley, and Hunter Listed as Questionable for Game 2
The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing a crucial Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals, but they may be without three key players. According to a report from the Beacon Journal, All-Star point guard Darius Garland, All-Star forward Evan Mobley, and wing De’Andre Hunter are all listed as questionable to play on Tuesday, May 6.
The Cavaliers will announce their availability shortly before Game 2 tips off at 7 p.m. at Rocket Arena in downtown Cleveland. The team trails Indiana 1-0 in the best-of-seven, second-round playoff series after falling 121-112 in Game 1. As the Beacon Journal reports, the Cavs will be keeping a close eye on their injured players.
Garland, who has missed the past three games with a sprained left big toe, did not participate in the portion of shootaround open to media on the morning of May 6 at Cleveland Clinic Courts. However, he did jog on a treadmill in a workout room beside the court. The Beacon Journal notes that Garland suffered the injury in the regular season and aggravated it on April 23 in Game 2 of a first-round sweep against the Miami Heat.
Mobley, who suffered a sprained left ankle during Game 1, was not seen during the portion of shootaround open to media on the morning of May 6 at Cleveland Clinic Courts. According to the Beacon Journal, Mobley said he “came down wrong a little bit” on a hook shot against Pacers center Myles Turner.
Hunter, who suffered a sprained right thumb when it dislocated during a hard fall in Game 1, was also not seen during the portion of shootaround open to media on the morning of May 6 at Cleveland Clinic Courts. Despite the injury, Hunter said he expected to play in Game 2. As the Beacon Journal reports, Hunter shoots with his right hand.
In related news, Cavaliers All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell appeared to limp at times in the second half of Game 1, but the Cavs have not listed him on their injury report. When asked about his physical condition after shootaround, Mitchell told the Beacon Journal: "I’m good. I’m excited. It’s going to be a good game."
The Cavaliers’ injury woes come at a critical time in the playoffs. As the Beacon Journal notes, the team is looking to bounce back from a tough Game 1 loss. The outcome of Game 2 will likely depend on the availability of Garland, Mobley, and Hunter.
The Cavaliers’ coaching staff will be keeping a close eye on their injured players and making a late decision on their availability. As reported by the Beacon Journal, Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson recently won the NBA Coach of the Year award for his first season with Cleveland.
The Cavaliers vs Pacers series is heating up, and fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome of Game 2. Will Garland, Mobley, and Hunter be able to take to the court? Only time will tell. For now, the team is preparing for a tough battle against the Pacers. As the Beacon Journal reports, it’s going to be a game to watch.
You can contact Beacon Journal reporter Nate Ulrich at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter at @ByNateUlrich.
