The Cavs were heavy favorites to win the first-round series against the Heat. So, it came as no surprise when they swept Erik Spoelstra’s squad. But what caught everyone’s attention was the way they did it. The Cavaliers delivered the most lopsided first‑round sweep in NBA history, outscoring Miami by 122 points over four games. This includes a 55‑point blowout in Game 4—a margin no playoff team has ever matched. The scary part is – the Cavs did it despite missing Darius Garland in the last two games.
Garland missed Games 3 and 4 with a sprained left big toe. Frankly, the Cavs did not need him to beat the Heat, a team that is still figuring out its identity following Jimmy Butler’s departure. However, Round 2 promises a stiffer challenge. Now, they will face the Pacers in the East semis, who sent Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. packing in just five games. So, the Cavs will need all hands on deck, including Garland.
Garland’s availability now hangs in the balance. That’s because Darius has been listed as questionable on the latest injury report for tonight’s Game 1. Reason? The same left big toe sprain that bothered him in the last series. Of course, Garland’s absence would be a huge blow to the team because he has been in incredible form all year, averaging 20.6 points and nearly seven assists.
Darius Garland is questionable for Game 1 of Pacers-Cavs with his sprained left great toe.
— Tony East (@TonyREast) May 4, 2025
Even in the two games Garland played in the first round, he averaged 24 points and seven assists. And the Cavs could use his elite scoring and playmaking to gain an edge over the Pacers. However, Kenny Atkinson has stated that Darius’ final status will only be confirmed before tip-off. “We’re just in this kind of area where you just got to kind of see day-by-day and see how it feels tomorrow morning.” The head coach said following Saturday’s practice. Apart from Garland’s questionable status, rest of the Cavs’ IR is clean. So, Atkinson would not mind trying out other options if the point guard does not suit up.
Kenny Atkinson optimistic despite Darius Garland’s painful injury
While Garland was out in the Heat series, the Cavs’ supporting cast did a great job of making up for his absence. In Game 4, six players scored in double digits to lead the team to a 55-point victory. And Atkinson had nothing but high praise for them as he addressed Garland’s injury, “Yeah, I mean that’s one of your All-Star players. Just goes to show how deep we are, right? You know Darius was out, but that gave Dean some more minutes. We could kind of tie him more minutes. So, just shows how deep we are and legitimately deep. I’m not sure there is any team in the league that can go that deep with so many rotation players.”
Apr 12, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) and guard Darius Garland (10) talk in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Yes, the Cavs’ depth is what makes them such a lethal team. They are not reliant on one star and any player can step up on any given night. So, Atkinson will likely not be worried if Darius is unable to play tonight. However, he is optimistic about the superstar’s health, as he said on Saturday, “The toe’s a tough one. There’s pain and all that. But the good thing, when we watch him shooting right now, he’s moving well.” Garland even had a full-contact session on Friday. So, Cleveland fans would be hoping to see him on the floor tonight, fighting to keep the Cavs’ title dream alive.
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