With a 64-18 record in 2024-25, the Cavaliers were No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. In the first round, Cleveland matches the #8 Seed Miami Heat.
The Cavs have a 3-0 series lead heading into Game 4 on Monday night. In Game 3, Cleveland had no service from Darius Garland. He was out with a toe injury. Garland is doubtful to play in Game 4. Cleveland can win the series even if Garland returns, but will need him in the next round and beyond.
Darius Garland could miss his second straight game on Monday
The Cavaliers are listed as suspicious in Game 4 as Darius Garland was injured in Game 3.
– Anthony Chen (@anthony_chiang) April 27, 2025
Game 3 was the biggest blowout in the Heat vs. Cubs Opening Round series. Without Darius Garland, the Cavs still scored 37 points. Jarrett Allen led the team offensively in a 124-87 victory. Garland was ruled out in Game 3 with a toe injury. It was the same toe injury that forced him to miss two games in the second half of the regular season. The two-time All-Star started 75 of Cleveland’s 82 games in 2024-25.
He missed one of three games in the postseason. If he can’t play due to a toe injury, Monday is his second. Cavs are more than capable of progressing to the semi-finals of a meeting without a garland. But they need to bring him back to the lineup for the next round. Assuming the Pacers defeated Milwaukee, Indiana and Cleveland will meet in the conference semi-finals.
Cleveland lost 18 times during the regular season. Three of these losses came to the Pacers. Indiana is not a team that anyone can shoot lightly in the playoffs. Just like Cavs, Pacers have depth in their roster. Heading towards Game 4 and Monday’s heat, Darius Garland is suspicious of a toe injury. There’s no reason for the Cavs to play Garland and risk further injuries. We’ll see if the 25-year-old will file a lawsuit Monday.