Now, before Game 2 against the Pacers, there are 3 Cavaliers now questionable
The top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers added Darius Garland (Toe), Evan Mobley (ankle) and De'andre Hunter (thumb), to reach Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals’ injury report.
On Tuesday night, all three players will be listed as suspiciously entering the second game. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said there was a “real concern” about the availability of the latter when asked about his status after practice on Monday.
Atkinson later confirmed to reporters that all three players would be listed as questions about the Indiana Pacers, adding that it was “hard to measure” Garland’s status.
Kenny Atkinson injured, De'andre Hunter and Evan Mobley:
“I don't think they're dirty dramas, but I think it's going through a physical line. We've been talking about where it gets too much. So first place is the non-call of De'andre layup, which is… pic.twitter.com/q2yluymrh1
– Danny Cunningham (@ReAldCunningham) May 5, 2025
Mobley adjusted his left ankle after trying a jump shot in the fourth quarter of Game 1 Sunday night. He reportedly walked around the Cavaliers locker room after the game.
Garland also missed Sunday’s third straight playoff game due to the remaining big toe injury.
Additionally, the Hunter dislocated his thumb in layups when Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin blocked his shot.
Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson solves Indiana's body
Cleveland asked for a foul on the Hunter's game and reviewed officials, but failed.
Atkinson believes Indiana’s active defense is a bit “over-the-top”.
“I don't think they're dirty drama, but I think it's through a series of bodies,” Atkinson said. “We've been talking about where it gets too much. So the first place is the non-call of the De'andre layup, I don't know.
“Everyone in the world is just watching that game and they reviewed it and I was just shocked. I don't know. I think I have to know the rules better. So maybe I don't know the rules. I think he's absolutely mean, his thumb is dislocated, so he's going to be questioned.”
Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 33 points in Game 1 and broke Michael Jordan's NBA playoff record with his eighth straight game. Mobley added 20 points and 10 rebounds to the Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers are already behind the 1-0 series, hosting Indiana State in Cleveland at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
