Darius Garland left Wednesday night’s 133-107 victory by the Cleveland Cavaliers over the Philadelphia 76ers early with a foot injury and is considered doubtful for the upcoming rematch on Friday in Philadelphia, according to Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson. Garland exited in the third quarter after diving for a loose ball and suffering what the team has described as a right foot issue. Garland had 20 points and seven assists before exiting, but the injury has cast significant uncertainty on his availability for the second game of the two-game set.
The Cavaliers’ win over Philadelphia was notable for its dominant scoring and strong overall performance, with guard Donovan Mitchell leading the way with 35 points and nine assists. Garland’s early departure, however, shifted focus to his health and the implications for Cleveland’s upcoming schedule. Garland has been integral to the Cavaliers’ offense this season, averaging around 18 points and nearly seven assists per game, but this latest injury setback comes amid an already challenging campaign marked by missed time due to other physical issues.
Also Read: What’s the Latest Update on Cooper Flagg Injury? Huge Concern For Dallas Mavericks
Darius Garland’s New Foot Injury Follows History of Lower-Body Issues
Garland’s current situation is especially concerning because of his recent injury history. Last season, the two-time All-Star underwent surgery in June on his left big toe, an injury that persisted into the Cavaliers’ playoff run and limited his effectiveness at crucial moments. This offseason procedure aimed to repair ongoing discomfort from a toe injury that had hampered him late in the previous campaign.
While that surgery was on his left side, Wednesday’s injury occurred on his right foot, offering a small comfort that it is separate from last year’s concern. Still, the unknown severity of the new foot issue raises questions about whether even a short-term absence could disrupt Cleveland’s backcourt rhythm.
During Wednesday’s game, Garland was active early, hitting 8 of 13 shots and scoring efficiently before going down. The Cavaliers have been managing around his minutes and health all season, balancing his natural offensive production with the need to avoid recurring setbacks. Prior to this latest episode, Garland had shown signs of returning to form after earlier maintenance days and minor issues that surfaced during the season, including periodic rest for soreness and load management.
Coach Atkinson described Garland’s status for Friday’s game as “probably doubtful,” a cautious assessment that reflects both the timing of the injury and the need to let medical staff evaluate him fully over the next 48 hours. Atkinson’s update also included fellow guard Sam Merrill, who left Wednesday’s game with a right hand injury and is considered similarly questionable for the rematch. Together, the absences of two backcourt contributors could alter the Cavaliers’ rotation against a 76ers team eager to rebound from a blowout defeat.
Cavaliers’ Depth Will Be Tested if Garland Misses Friday
If Garland does indeed miss Friday’s matchup against Philadelphia, the Cavaliers will need significant contributions from their supporting cast, particularly in a rematch where continuity and ball distribution are critical. Donovan Mitchell has shouldered much of the offensive load alongside Garland, and his performance in the Wednesday game — a 35-point outburst — underscored his importance.
Other players like Evan Mobley, Brice Sensabaugh and Jaylon Tyson will likely see increased roles if Garland is sidelined. Mobley, who posted a 17-point, 13-rebounds double-double on Wednesday, offers versatility that can help mitigate Garland’s absence, but Cleveland’s offensive structure largely revolves around the point guard’s creation and ball handling.
Also Read: Masterpiece No. 5663: Nikola Jokic Redefines Greatness and Rewrites NBA History Yet Again
Foot injuries, particularly new ones involving uncertain contact or twisting movements, often require careful monitoring before a player returns to action. The Cavaliers will likely hold Garland out of practice and potentially limit his activity in shootaround sessions later this week as part of the precautionary approach. The coaching staff has emphasized pacing his minutes and workload throughout the season to maintain his long-term availability, especially given how key he is to their Eastern Conference aspirations.
The Cavaliers and 76ers are scheduled to face off again on Friday night at the 76ers’ home arena, and all eyes will be on Friday’s official injury report. Even if Garland is unable to suit up, Cleveland’s depth and resilience — especially in clutch moments — will be tested early in the new year. With playoff positioning and momentum at stake, the Cavaliers’ ability to adjust without one of their primary offensive catalysts will be a defining storyline leading into the weekend.
