The Cleveland Cavaliers announced Wednesday that guard Darius Garland suffered a contusion to his left great toe during Monday’s game at Miami. The injury occurred in the second quarter on a drive to the basket after incidental contact with Heat forward Nikola Jovic.
Garland is listed as OUT for Wednesday night’s game in Miami, with the team planning daily treatment and following a post-surgery management plan. His return-to-play timeline has not yet been confirmed.
The Cavaliers are already missing key players, including Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, who are out for rest. Max Strus also remains sidelined with an injury, while Larry Nance Jr. is questionable with a left knee contusion. Jaylon Tyson continues to recover from a concussion.
Cleveland enters the matchup at 7-4, with Mitchell averaging 30.4 points per game when available. Jarrett Allen and De’Andre Hunter anchor the frontcourt, but Garland’s absence further limits depth in the backcourt. The team will need contributions from role players to compensate for multiple absences.
Miami, also 7-4, faces its own injury challenges. Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro are out due to surgeries, while Terry Rozier is inactive amid a federal investigation. Jahmir Young is unavailable in the G League, leaving Norman Powell and Andrew Wiggins as the primary scoring options. Kel’el Ware and Jaime Jaquez Jr. are expected to take on added responsibilities.
Monday’s double-overtime thriller saw the Cavaliers lose 140-138 in Miami. Norman Powell scored 33 points, while Ware pulled down 19 rebounds, highlighting Miami’s ability to compensate for absences. Garland’s injury adds another challenge to Cleveland as they seek to compete in a hostile environment.
