The Cleveland Cavaliers have gotten off to an excellent start this NBA season as they are 5-1 and in second place in the Eastern Conference. Donovan Mitchell has been everything the team could have hoped for after acquiring him from the Utah Jazz this offseason in a blockbuster trade.
Mitchell was expected to combine with Darius Garland to make one of the best backcourt duos in the NBA, and that is what has made this start so impressive; it has come basically without Garland in the lineup. The All-Star point guard has played only 13 minutes this season as he suffered a serious eye injury in the season opener against the Toronto Raptors.
Gary Trent Jr. accidentally poked Garland in his left eye, causing a laceration to his eyelid which has also resulted in a ton of swelling. He has missed five consecutive games as a result, but on Tuesday, he partook in practice for the first time since the injury. Extra drill work was done after practice by Garland as well as with the assistant coaches.
While that was certainly a step in the right direction, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has said that Garland’s availability remains in doubt. He is expected to be listed as questionable for the game on Wednesday night against the Boston Celtics.
“We’ll see tomorrow,” Bickerstaff said after practice on Tuesday. “He went through everything. It’s how he’s feeling tomorrow and what the swelling looks like. But he was good today. He’s done enough to go ahead and play if he’s gonna play.”
LATEST NBA NEWS: Darius Garland & Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Despite not being able to get on the court, Garland has remained engaged. He has sat on the bench wearing dark sunglasses for every game as the Cavaliers are being extra cautious given the sensitivity of the injury.
“He’s watching with an eye on what’s happening and why it’s happening,” Bickerstaff said. “so when he does come back he understands and he’s participating even though he’s not out on the floor.”
The engagement that he has shown despite being sidelined is what will help make the transition back to the court easier. It is tough developing chemistry and cohesion with new teammates and Garland’s development has been stalled by this injury.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Darius Garland & Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
This just goes to show how strong of a roster the Cavaliers have. Despite not having their best player from last season in the lineup, they have continued finding success, going 5-0 in his absence. Getting Garland back on the court will make Cleveland that much more dangerous of a team to face off against.
