Injury Crisis Strikes Cavaliers: Will They Survive Game 2 Without Garland, Mobley, and Hunter?

The Cleveland Cavaliers are staring down the barrel of an 0-2 deficit heading into Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers, but their lineup won’t be anywhere near full strength. Injuries are biting hard — with Darius Garland sidelined again by a nagging toe issue, Evan Mobley hobbling out on an ankle sprain, and De’Andre Hunter sidelined due to a dislocated thumb. It’s a brutal blow, especially considering Garland’s absence already made a noticeable dent in their efforts during Game 1. The Cavs are digging deep, dialing in fresh starters like Ty Jerome and Dean Wade, who are getting their first taste of postseason action. Yet, this scramble to adjust the roster under intense pressure tells a story of grit, resilience… and a fight that’s far from over. With the series shifting to Indianapolis soon, every possession matters — and Cleveland’s hunger to even the score is fierce. LEARN MORE.

“Turner contests his two-point shot, comes under — clearly under him,” Atkinson said. “Shooters need space to land. And is pushed off balance — in our opinion — and tweaks his ankle pretty bad. I think you guys saw him limping the rest of the game.”Facing the prospect of an 0-2 series hole, the Cleveland Cavaliers will play the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday shorthanded.Advertisement

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Like Mobley, Hunter continued to play after suffering his injury. But he won’t be available for a critical Game 2 as Cleveland looks to even up the series before it shifts to Indianapolis.

“There was a big push to get him out. He wanted to stay in.”Advertisement