Darius Garland’s Status Shift Sparks Cavs vs. 76ers Showdown Mystery: Will He Take the Court?

There’s a flicker of optimism lighting up the Cleveland Cavaliers’ court as All-Star guard Darius Garland inches closer to stepping back onto the hardwood. Just recently bumped to a questionable status for Wednesday’s showdown with the Philadelphia 76ers, Garland’s possible return feels like a crucial pivot point for this young Cavs squad. Reports swirling Tuesday suggest he’s on track to make that season debut, provided nothing unexpected arises out of today’s practice— a hopeful sign for a team that’s navigating early-season turbulence without its dynamic floor general. Head coach Kenny Atkinson, ever cautious, hints that it all boils down to how Garland bounces back overnight, underscoring the delicate balance between eagerness and prudence. If Garland suits up, he’ll reunite with Donovan Mitchell, forming one of the league’s deadliest backcourts and reigniting Cleveland’s ambitions after their East-best 64-18 sprint last season. Whether the Cavaliers can harness this momentum or face a brief delay before Garland’s full return could shift the Eastern Conference landscape in a heartbeat. LEARN MORE

Good news appears to be on the way for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Cavaliers have upgraded All-Star guard Darius Garland to questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers. That designation arrives on the heels of Tuesday reports that Garland is on track to play Wednesday barring a setback.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday that Garland could make his season debut against the 76ers. The Athletic’s Joe Vardon reported that Garland is expected to play Wednesday “barring any last-minute setbacks” from Tuesday’s practice.

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Head coach Kenny Atkinson took a more cautious approach when speaking with reporters after Tuesday’s practice.

“Just kind of see how he responds,” Atkinson said, per Cleveland.com. “Just kind of repeat what I’ve said before, he is really close. Let’s see what tomorrow morning looks like.”

Garland hasn’t played since undergoing surgery in June to repair a toe injury that limited him in the playoffs. Garland missed Games 3 and 4 of a first-round sweep of the Heat, then missed two more games in Cleveland’s 4-1 loss to the Pacers in the second round.

Garland spent the offseason recovering and rehabbing the injury after surgery and has been ramping up during the regular season for his return to the court. He spent a short stint with the Cavaliers’ G League affiliate and has since been working out with his teammates and participating in pregame warmups.

Garland made his second career All-Star game in 2024-25. For the season, he averaged 20.6 points, 6.7 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 47.2% from the floor and 40.1% from 3. He and fellow All-Star Donovan Mitchell make up one of the league’s most prolific scoring backcourts.

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The Cavaliers are off to a 4-3 start without Garland. They’re banking on Garland, Mitchell and Evan Mobley to lead them to an Eastern Conference title after last season produced the East’s best record at 64-18.

If Garland can’t go on Wednesday, his next chance to play will be on Friday against the Washington Wizards.