At 64-18, the Cavaliers finished first in the Eastern Conference this season. They got #1 seed in the Eastern Playoffs. Cleveland swept the Miami Heat in the first round.
The Cavaliers competed in the first game against the Pacers at home on Sunday. They didn't have All-Star PG Darius Garland due to a toe injury. Not only did Cleveland lose the first game, but several players are dealing with injuries. Evan Mobley (ankle) and De'andre Hunter (thumb) played in Game 2 Tuesday night.
Who will be using it for the Cavaliers with the Pacers in Game 2?
Kenny Atkinson @Amnotevan
Atkinson says pic.twitter.com/7pamk6x8ni
– Knights Country (@wearecavsnation) May 5, 2025
In the latest episode of Hoope Collective Podcast, ESPN's Brian Windhorst talks about Darius Garland's toe injury. The strong winds are called Garland's injured turf toes, which is by no means a good sign. Especially when the playoffs have become a round. It's very likely that Garland will compete on Tuesday. Darius Garland is not the only Cavaliers starter in the injury report.
First-year All-Star Evan Mobley suffered a sprain in his left ankle in Game 1, with the Pacers. He said that happened when he tried to hook up on Myles Turner and fell on his ankle. Mobley was listed as Game 2 Questions to Indiana. In the regular season, he started 71 games in 82 games with the Cavaliers. Additionally, one of Cleveland’s key roles has been classified as suspicious.
De'andre Hunter dislocated in his first match on Sunday. The Pacers' Bennedict Mathurin blocked his shot and Hunter was injured on the hard-hitting ground. All signs suggest Hunter will be available in Game 2. After losing the first game at home, the Cavaliers need to win Game 2 on Tuesday night. They can't beat a playoff team like the Pacers 2-0. Can Cleveland bounce on Tuesday, even the series against Indiana?
