The Cleveland Cavaliers have listed Darius Garland as available for tonight’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Garland had previously been questionable with a quad contusion.
Lonzo Ball, Evan Mobley, Max Strus, Larry Nance Jr. and Luke Travers and Chris Livingston are listed as out. Sam Merrill, who returned to action last night after missing multiple weeks with a hand injury, is available to play again.
Garland scored 27 points and dished 10 assists in his previous game. The Cavs picked up a much-needed
win over the Charlotte Hornets and are hoping to take another step forward tonight.
The Cavs have dealt with injuries all season long. Max Strus hasn’t played a game yet and Evan Mobley is on the sidelines for at least another week. That’s only to name a few. At times, it’s felt like this team will never be healthy.
But recent days have seen better luck. Garland, for instance, has given us hope that his toe injury won’t be a career-altering ailment. He’s made significant progress in getting his mobility back. And, it’s important to note that today’s injury had nothing to do with his toe. It was a left quad contusion for Garland.
On one hand, you don’t want to see Garland suffer another injury. But it definitely feels good to know that his toe isn’t the thing holding him back right now.
Cleveland has one day off tomorrow before playing the New York Knicks on Christmas Day. It’s the first time since 2018 that the Cavs have played on Christmas. They’ll have to be sharp in order to compete with the Knicks, who have been on a roll as of late. Let’s hope they can continue to build momentum in a positive direction by winning tonight and, most importantly, staying healthy in the process.
