The Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves in unfamiliar territory, down 0-1 in their second-round series against the Indiana Pacers, and things just got tougher. With key injuries sidelining three of their top six players, the Cavaliers will be without Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter for Tuesday night's crucial Game 2.
Darius Garland, battling a persistent toe injury, had already missed significant time in the first round and was sorely missed in Game 1. Meanwhile, Evan Mobley, hobbling with an ankle sprain, and De’Andre Hunter, recovering from a dislocated thumb, are also out.
Evan Mobley's disappointment was palpable; even heading into the locker room pregame, his limp was evident. "I'm crushed that I can't play tonight," said the usually upbeat Mobley with a somber tone.
Stepping into the starting lineup, Ty Jerome and Dean Wade join Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, and Max Strus. This shuffle leaves Cleveland's bench notably thin, holding only Sam Merrill and Isaac Okoro, both having logged minutes in Game 1. It's an understatement to say the team’s depth will be tested.
Cavaliers' coach, Kenny Atkinson, had anticipated these key absences, listing Garland, Mobley, and Hunter as doubtful following Game 1. Injuries marred a previously tight contest — Mobley twisted his ankle in an unfortunate tangle with Myles Turner, and Hunter's dunk attempt turned sour when met by Bennedict Mathurin's defense.
After the game, Atkinson expressed his frustration, not with the Pacers’ defense, but with the officiating. "I don’t think this is on Indiana," Atkinson stated. "But I have a problem when we’ve got two of our best players doubtful for tomorrow’s game. It’s hard for me to get my head around that." Despite praising the officials' overall performance, these missed calls have tangible repercussions for his team.
With their backs against the wall, the Cavaliers are now banking on a monumental performance from Donovan Mitchell. If they hope to level the series, they’ll need Mitchell to lead the charge against a confident Pacers team.
