Cavaliers injury updates: Evan Mobley, De'Andre Hunter, and Darius Garland will play in Game 3 vs. Pacers
Context:
The Cleveland Cavaliers, who dominated the regular season, are facing a challenging second-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, who lead 2-0. Key players Evan Mobley, De'Andre Hunter, and Darius Garland have been injured, impacting the team's performance. Garland, dealing with a sprained toe, missed four consecutive games, and both Mobley and Hunter also missed Game 2 due to injuries sustained in Game 1. Despite these setbacks, all three players participated in a shootaround and are expected to play in the pivotal Game 3. The Cavaliers are under pressure to secure a road victory to bring the series back to Cleveland, with Garland's participation being particularly crucial as critics urge him to play through his injury.
Dive Deeper:
The Cavaliers, despite a strong regular season, face a 2-0 deficit in the second round of the playoffs against the Pacers, necessitating a road win to ensure the series returns to Cleveland.
Evan Mobley, De'Andre Hunter, and Darius Garland, crucial players for the Cavaliers, have been dealing with injuries, which have kept them out of critical games against Indiana.
Darius Garland's sprained toe has caused him to miss four playoff games, with mounting pressure from critics for him to play through the pain as the team struggles in his absence.
Evan Mobley suffered a lower leg injury in Game 1, and his absence in Game 2 was felt as Dean Wade filled in but with limited impact, highlighting Mobley's importance to the team.
De'Andre Hunter dislocated his thumb in Game 1, affecting the team's depth, as his absence led to increased minutes for Isaac Okoro, who could not significantly impact Game 2.
All three players participated in a shootaround ahead of Game 3, signaling their potential return, which is vital for the Cavaliers to counter the Pacers and stay competitive in the series.
The pressure on Garland is particularly intense, with sources indicating he may have no choice but to play in Game 3, as his performance could be pivotal in turning the series around for Cleveland.
The Cavaliers dominated the regular season but have run into problems in the second round of the playoffs against the Pacers. Indiana returns home with a 2-0 series lead, forcing the Cavaliers to win at least one road game to guarantee the series returns to Cleveland.
However, the Cavs haven't been at full strength this series. Cleveland has been dealing with injuries to Evan Mobley, De'Andre Hunter, and Darius Garland. Despite there being some optimism for Garland, he, along with Mobley and Hunter, missed the Game 2 loss to the Pacers.
With Cleveland's back against the wall, here are the latest injury updates for Garland, Mobley, and Hunter and whether they will be able to suit up for a critical Game 3 against Indiana.
Cavaliers injury updates
Will Darius Garland play in Game 3 vs. Pacers?
Garland was the surprising scratch from Game 2. He has been dealing with a sprained toe, but ahead of tip-off of Game 2, there was optimism that he was going to be able to play. That lasted throughout the day until he didn't come out for warm-ups at his usual time. Garland suffered the injury during the first round and has missed four playoff games in a row.There has been mounting pressure for Garland to play. With the losses in the second round mounting, many critics have pleaded with him to suck it up and play through whatever pain he may be dealing with. The Athletic's Joe Vardon said one source told him that Garland "doesn't have a choice" and has to play in Game 3.
If Garland doesn't suit up for the fifth consecutive game, Ty Jerome will likely fill in again. The backup point guard played 28 minutes in Game 2, but struggled shooting, finishing with only two points on 14 shots.
On Friday morning, all three of Garland, Mobley and Hunter participated in shootaround for Game 3.
Evan Mobley, Darius Garland and De’Andre Hunter all here at Game 3 shootaround for #Cavs. pic.twitter.com/G3yZFtARvR
— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) May 9, 2025 After participating in the shootaround, all three Cavaliers players are expected to play in Game 3.
All three injured Cleveland Cavaliers – Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De'Andre Hunter – will return tonight against the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 (7:30 pm ET, ESPN), sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 9, 2025 NBA PLAYOFFS HQ: Live NBA scores | NBA playoff schedule | NBA playoff bracket
Will Evan Mobley play in Game 3 vs. Pacers?
Mobley injured his lower leg in the fourth quarter of Game 1 against Indiana. Head coach Kenny Atkinson said that before the team left for Indiana, all three players, including Mobley, participated in a walkthrough. The Cavaliers forward, like Garland and Hunter, is expected to be listed as "questionable" for Game 3, but there is optimism that he will play.Atkinson says that Mobley hurt his ankle on this play in the fourth quarter last night. pic.twitter.com/tq366xPiml
— Danny Cunningham (@RealDCunningham) May 5, 2025 With Mobley missing in action in Game 2, Dean Wade got the start. He played 30 minutes, and had three points, 10 rebounds and three assists.
Mobley is expected to play in Game 3 after participating in shootaround earlier on Friday.
Will De'Andre Hunter play in Game 3 vs. Pacers?
Like Mobley, Hunter also got hurt in Game 1 of the second-round series against the Pacers. He went up for a dunk but was fouled and landed hard. It was described that the big man "fell out of the sky on a dunk attempt." Hunter dislocated his thumb and wasn't able to play in Game 2.This was ruled a clean block by Bennedict Mathurin and upheld as clean after review pic.twitter.com/QiGIyjV1F3
— Bad Sports Refs (@BadSportsRefs) May 5, 2025 Hunter is the only one of the injured trio who isn't a regular starter for Cleveland. Still, he provides important depth off the bench. Without him, Isaac Okoro has seen his minutes rise. He played 32 minutes in Game 2 and had five points, two rebounds and one assist.
Hunter is expected to play in Game 3 after participating in shootaround earlier on Friday.