The Cleveland Cavaliers came into the season as one of the favorites to win the Eastern Conference. They did so without the services of Darius Garland to start the season. Garland had a toe injury that required offseason surgery.
Without Garland available to start the season, Donovan Mitchell has had to carry an enormous offensive load. Mitchell has done that, helping the Cavs to fourth in the Eastern Conference standings. Garland briefly returned for two games and has now re-injured that toe.
After exiting a game against the Heat with a toe injury, the Cavaliers have already made a determination for his availability in a rematch with the Heat on Wednesday.
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MAY 09: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter of game three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 09, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Cleveland Cavaliers Guard Darius Garland Ruled Out vs. Heat
When asked about Garland’s injury, Kenny Atkinson didn’t have an update about his status following the game.
“Yeah, I haven’t gotten an update yet. Obviously couldn’t continue, took a fall there and tried to come back. So we’ll get an update here soon. You know, we talked about it. Talked about it with medical, and Darius, he wanted to give it another try. And then went back at it and then just couldn’t continue.”
Garland is one of the best players that the Cavaliers have on the roster, being selected to the All-Star team for the second time in his career last year. Without Garland in the lineup, the Cavaliers have struggled to keep up the torrid offensive pace they set last year.
Last season, the Cavs were the number one offense in the NBA. This season, their offensive rating has slipped to eighth, with Garland only playing two full games so far.
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 26: Guard Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket around guard Ryan Rollins #13 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the third quarter at Rocket Arena on October 26, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Bucks 118-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Cavaliers Rule Out Donovan Mitchell vs. Heat
Garland isn’t the only key player for the Cavaliers who has been ruled out for the rematch. Donovan Mitchell has been ruled out for the contest due to rest. This will only be the second game that Mitchell has missed so far this season.
Without Mitchell and Garland running the show for Cleveland, it will be tough for them to manufacture offense against a tough Heat defense. Mitchell likely won’t be out long-term with this being determined as out for rest, but Garland’s long-term availability is still in question.
Mitchell is playing at a first-team All-NBA level, averaging 30.4 points per game. He is the fourth-leading scorer in basketball, which is why the Cavs are able to still be a top-four team in the East to this point in the season. Any long-term absence of Garland will be felt.
Without Garland and Mitchell available for this game, other teams will be hoping that the Heat can take them out. Garland had the healthiest year of his career a year ago, playing a career-high 75 games for the Cavs. He might not hit that number this season.
Atkinson will likely be able to give more of an update on Garland following additional testing on his toe. Mitchell will likely play in the Cavaliers’ next game, so the concern level for him is low.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Cleveland Cavaliers Rule Out Two Key Players vs Heat appeared first on Heavy Sports.