The Cleveland Cavaliers are battling for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference despite losing their top five guards due to injuries. Darius Garland’s recurring and significant back injury has put Cleveland’s season at risk. Due to a bone bruise that requires rest to heal, the All-Star point guard missed his third straight game and eighth overall on Monday, and time is running out for the Cavs as they strive to cling on to a postseason place in the congested Eastern Conference despite losing five of their top guards.
The team’s backcourt injuries have been described as “unreal” by general manager Mike Gansey. “In a sense, we didn’t see doomsday coming.”
Cleveland Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. Garland, who is in his third season and has developed into one of the greatest guards in the NBA, took part in the Cavs’ light practice on Tuesday. It’s still unclear whether he’ll play against Charlotte on Wednesday.
The Cavs are 36-25 and in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, have remained tight-lipped regarding Garland’s injury, which occurred against Golden State on January 9. Before the All-Star break, the 22-year-old was out of five games before returning for two more. Since the season started, he has been out of three. The team approved Darius Garland’s participation in All-Star Weekend activities. However, it’s a question why the Cavs would risk having their best player’s condition worst. If only they knew he needed to rest.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Mike Gansey
Cleveland Cavaliers: Mike Gansey said the team didn’t contemplate pulling Garland out of the All-Star festivities. He competed in the Skills Challenge alongside rookie Evan Mobley and center Jarrett Allen before participating in his first All-Star Game—because he “was feeling well.”
“The skills competition is more like a game of H-O-R-S-E, and the shooting was enjoyable,” said Gansey, “They had a practice that wasn’t a practice, and I’m not sure if he tried to defend or touch anyone.”
“If you just watch him run around, he’s fine.” It’s a bone bruise that happens regularly. It’s not a long-term solution. He requires relaxation, and rest is not on our side right now. “
Under normal conditions, Garland’s injury would be so hard, but the Cavs are dealing with a lot more.
Collin Sexton, the team’s leading scorer, and senior guard Ricky Rubio suffered season-ending injuries. To compensate for Rubio’s departure, the Lakers acquired Rajon Rondo. Caris LeVert is out due to a sprained toe. He also sprained his foot last week, which led to the injury at the trade deadline for increased scoring punch.
Rajon Rondo and Caris LeVert
Cleveland Cavaliers: Rajon Rondo and Caris LeVert expect to miss another week or more. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers, who won only 22 games last season. They are striving to stay in the East’s top six teams. The play-in teams will be Nos. 7 and 8.
“Let’s just hope we can be relevant in the East in some way,” Mike Gansey said.
Moreover, the injuries appear to shift expectations and possible priorities for the young Cavs. They ranked second in the East only a few weeks ago.
They’re now on the slide and with an unfavorable schedule ahead of them (Cleveland must play Philadelphia, Toronto, Miami, and Chicago by March 12). It’s impossible to say when they’ll get back on track. Reaching the postseason and progressing seemed realistic just a few weeks ago. Also, making the playoffs might be enough at this time.
Jarrett Allen said, “We were all ready to go home by this time last year.” “It was just a terrible end to the season.” Also, we can all admit that the expectation wasn’t to win the title.
Lastly, the goal was to go out there and play basketball and see where it took us, and it’s taking us a long way so far, so I think we can call it a success.
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