Garland practiced on Thursday, but couldn’t participate in contact.
Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson provided some clarity on Darius Garland’s left toe sprain that kept him out of games 3 and 4 of their first-round series against the Miami Heat. Garland practiced on Thursday, but stayed away from contact.
“It’s day-to-day right now,” Atkinson said of Garland’s injury. “The toe is a tough one. There’s pain and all that. The good thing, when we watch him shooting right now, is that he’s moving well. {There’s] just no contact yet.”
Garland was seen getting shots up after practice when the media were allowed into the gym.
Some extra post-practice work for #Cavs star duo Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.
Garland missed Cleveland’s last two games with a sore left big toe. It’s encouraging to see him get some movement in. pic.twitter.com/ke5B1hhjrY
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) May 1, 2025
Getting shots up doesn’t exactly mean that Garland will be available for Game 1 on Sunday against the Indiana Pacers. That’s especially true when dealing with an injury like this.
“I know how they are,” Atkinson said when asked about whether this injury has lingered longer than he anticipated. “It’s not easy, especially with all the start and stop he does. So no, I’m not surprised. It’s not like something that goes away like that. … I think it’s something he’s gonna have to deal with probably the rest of the playoffs.”
Atkinson mentioned that Sam Merrill could continue to start in Garland’s place if he’s unable to go in Game 1. He pointed to Merrill’s defense and ability to create off-ball as reasons why he would stick in the starting lineup. However, Atkinson did say that going against Tyrese Haliburton could mean that they opt for someone with more size in the starting lineup if Garland can’t go.
Right now, the Cavs aren’t sure if Garland will be able to go on Sunday.
“I’m not going to make a judgment either way [on whether Garland will be available to play],” Atkinson said. “Sure, there’s some concern there. I could see it going either way.”
Garland has missed four games with this toe injury: two at the end of the regular season, along with Cleveland’s last two playoff games. He finished the regular season averaging 20.6 points and 6.7 assists per game.