Is Darius Garland playing tonight against Indiana Pacers? Latest on Cavaliers star's availability for Game 2 (May 6)
Darius Garland is the lead guard for the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers and has been a part of the team's dominant offensive showings. He and Donovan Mitchell have unlocked their true potential as a backcourt duo under coach Kenny Atkinson.
However, Garland hasn't played since Game 2 of the opening-round series against the Miami Heat as he continues to fight a toe injury. Garland is listed as a game-time decision on the Cavaliers' Game 2 injury report after missing Game 1 against the Indiana Pacers.
Garland isn't the biggest star on Cleveland's roster, but he is arguably its most important offensive piece. The All-Star guard's playmaking kept the Cavaliers' offense amongst the best in the league throughout the season, fueling their run to the top of the Eastern Conference. He has maintained his high level of play into the postseason, averaging 24.0 points and 7.0 assists in two games against Miami.
The Cavaliers would love to have him back as they look to even the series against the Pacers before heading on the road for Games 3 and 4. Cleveland is looking to bounce back from a 121-112 loss on Sunday. The Cavaliers struggled without Garland running their offense and couldn't keep up with the Pacers throughout the game despite 33 points from Mitchell.
What would the Cleveland Cavaliers miss if Darius Garland doesn't play against the Indiana Pacers?
While he doesn't give his team a lot on the defensive end, Garland's speed and decision-making make the team's offense dangerous every possession. His ability to operate in the pick-and-roll with Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley makes him vital to their success.
The Cavaliers only lost by nine points in Game 1, but they struggled offensively outside Mitchell and Mobley. Allen was the team's third star, but he only chipped in 12 points. Having Garland on the floor gives the offense more balance and takes pressure off their stars to put the team on their back.