Evan Mobley, Darius Garland and De’Andre Hunter have all been ruled out for Game 2 of the Cavaliers’ second-round series against the Pacers, Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com tweets.
It’s a huge dilemma for the top seed in the Eastern Conference tonight as they try to avoid going 0-2 in the series.
Mobley sustained a sprained left ankle in Game 1. Garland will miss his fourth straight game due to a sprained big toe on his left foot that has nagged him since the end of the regular season. Hunter suffered a dislocated right thumb in the series opener.
During his pregame press conference, coach Kenny Atkinson didn’t indicate if the trio was out but stated that he and his staff made preparations for all scenarios.
“We’ve got to be ready for plan A, B, and C,” Atkinson said. “We’ve got a great group. We’ve got great leadership. We’ve always responded. Great maturity, great professionalism, and this is part of what we figure things out as a group. These experiences make you better, make you stronger as a group and we obviously have to respond on the floor, but liked our approach leading up.”
Ty Jerome, Sam Merrill, Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade are some of the players who will have to step up in their absences.
At least the Cavs’ misfortune should make the Bucks feel better about how the series against Indiana turned out. There’s definitely injury risk with the older rosters MKE has, but we’re seeing that having a younger roster doesn’t preclude widespread injuries from occurring either.
What the hell happened in the first series that their son depleted??
Garland is so valuable to the team without him its tough but with 2 others its what they have in the second team.
@arc89
Mobley is arguably their best player – even if not, he’s their best defender for sure (voted DPOY). No way there’s anyone close on the Cavs’ bench.
Last time Garland went down so did their winning. He is their QB.
Bummer for the Cavs and their fans. Next men up, and we’ll see if they can get it done.
Cavs have just been ruled out for game 2. Pretty much forget about the series too. So much for that great regular season
Unbelievable….. right. Hunter should be able to play. Snap it back in wear a brace. Shouldn’t miss more than a game. Mobley and Garland could miss more games. Donovan has to wear the cape today. And Allen, Okoro have to show up. You don’t want to go down 2-0. This would be a terrible way to end the season man. Need this one. Hope Donovan goes for 50.