Cavs Lose Darius Garland to Toe Injury, Will Miss At Least a Week
The Cleveland Cavaliers are going to be without one of their key playmakers for at least the next week, as guard Darius Garland is sidelined with a sprained right big toe. The injury, diagnosed as a Grade 1 sprain, came during Cleveland’s dominant 133-107 win over the Philadelphia 76ers last Wednesday. Garland will undergo treatment and rehab for the next 7 to 10 days before being re-evaluated, according to the team.
The injury occurred late in the third quarter when Garland hit the floor diving for a loose ball after a turnover - a hustle play that underscores the kind of edge he’s brought to the Cavs’ backcourt. He didn’t return to the game and was ruled out for the rematch against Philly on Friday.
This setback is frustratingly familiar for Garland, who already had surgery in June on his left big toe - the same injury that limited him during Cleveland’s brief postseason run last year. That offseason procedure slowed his start to this season, but he’s been steadily rounding into form.
Before exiting Wednesday night, Garland looked sharp - dropping 20 points on an efficient 8-of-13 from the field. It was part of a larger trend: since December 6, he’s strung together 18 straight games scoring in double figures, gradually boosting his scoring average after a sluggish opening stretch.
Garland’s absence puts more pressure on the Cavs’ depth at the guard position, especially with the team trying to build momentum in a crowded Eastern Conference. While he’s not expected to miss extended time, any stretch without his shot creation and floor leadership is a challenge for Cleveland.
The team says his status will be updated as appropriate, but for now, the Cavs will have to navigate the next week without one of their most important offensive engines.