The Cleveland Cavaliers had an encouraging update on the recovery timeline of Darius Garland from toe surgery. Garland was plagued by a toe injury late in the regular season and in the playoffs. He had to undergo surgery in the summer and was ruled out for four to five months.
Speaking to reporters after Monday’s practice, coach Kenny Atkinson revealed that Garland participated in scrimmage and looked good. Atkinson also considers his star point guard to be ahead of schedule, though he’s still going to miss games at the start of the season.
“He did most of practice today and we were live, so we’ll see how he responds tomorrow. I don’t know what that means big picture-wise, but good sign for us… I want DG healthy long-term for the season, for the playoffs. Really kind of having conversations with him, making sure the build-up is right. We’re erring on the side of long-term thinking,” Atkinson said, via ClutchPoints.
Atkinson will still consult with the Cavaliers’ medical team before making a decision on Garland’s return. His initial return timeline was early November, which would have marked the fifth month since his surgery. But with him looking pretty good in practice, he’s likely returning sooner rather than later.
Garland Not Alone on Injury Report
The Cleveland Cavaliers have a total of three players on their injury report ahead of their season opener on October 22 against the New York Knicks, as per ESPN. Darius Garland has already been ruled out, while De’Andre Hunter is listed as questionable because of a knee injury.
Hunter suffered the injury in the Cavaliers’ final preseason game versus the Detroit Pistons. Max Strus, on the other hand, still has no timeline for his full recovery from offseason foot surgery. Strus is out of a walking boot, though it’s unclear if he’s been given the green light to begin his rehab.
With Strus and Hunter possibly out for their first game, coach Kenny Atkinson will look to his bench for answers. According to Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal, Sam Merrill, Dean Wade and Jaylon Tyson are possible options. Even Lonzo Ball and Tyrese Proctor are expected to get minutes because of the injuries.
Garland’s Bold Claim About Cavs’ Playoff Exit
The Cleveland Cavaliers finished the regular season with the best record in the Eastern Conference at 64-18. They quickly dispatched the Miami Heat in the first round, but they were unable to get over the hurdle and lost to the Indiana Pacers in the second round.
In an appearance on Sirius XM NBA Radio on October 20, Garland was confident that if he had been 100% healthy in the playoffs, they would have won the championship.
“I think we would’ve won it, I say that pretty confidently. The talent with this group is just out the roof,” Garland said.
The Cavaliers made some changes in the offseason, trading Isaac Okoro to the Chicago Bulls for Lonzo Ball. They lost Ty Jerome, their best player off the bench, in free agency, so they had to get creative with their roster.
ESPN has them tied with the Denver Nuggets for the second-best odds of winning the 2026 NBA title, just behind the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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