If you were watching the Cleveland Cavaliers dismantle the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, you probably went from "we're winning the Finals" to "not again" in about four seconds flat. The Cleveland Cavaliers injury update situation just got a whole lot more complicated. Winning by 26 points usually feels like a party, but when your franchise point guard limps to the locker room with a towel over his head, the champagne stays in the fridge.
Honestly, the Cavs have had the worst luck with feet lately.
Darius Garland was absolutely cooking. He had 20 points and seven assists in just 23 minutes of action. Then, the third quarter happened. Diving for a loose ball—the kind of "winning play" coaches love and fans dread—Garland stayed down. It was his right foot this time. If that sounds familiar, it's because he spent the better part of the last year recovering from surgery on his left big toe.
The Latest on Darius Garland and the Backcourt
Let's get the bad news out of the way first. Garland is officially doubtful for Friday's rematch against Philly. While the team hasn't used the "broken" word yet, the optics weren't great. He didn't return to the game, and the limp was significant. The concern here isn't just one game in January; it's the cumulative toll.
He had just finally found his rhythm. After a sluggish start to the 2025-26 season following that June surgery, Garland was averaging nearly 21 points this month. He looked like the All-Star version of himself again.
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Sam Merrill's Hand Issue
To make matters worse, the "Milkman" is back on the shelf. Sam Merrill left the same game with a right hand injury. He’s also listed as doubtful for Friday. This is especially frustrating because Merrill had just returned from a month-long absence for a different injury to the same hand. He left the locker room with his index and middle fingers splinted.
When Merrill is on the floor, the spacing for Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley is elite. Without him, the bench loses its most dangerous flamethrower.
Who is Actually Healthy?
It isn't all gloom in the Land. Donovan Mitchell is playing some of the best basketball of his career. He dropped 35 on the Sixers and, perhaps more importantly, he looks physically dominant. There are no rest restrictions on Spida right now. He’s averaging 29.5 points per game and carrying the offensive load like a guy who knows he might have to do it alone for a week or two.
The frontcourt is also holding steady, which is a massive relief given how the season started.
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- Evan Mobley: He’s back and looks like a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. After missing time in December with a calf strain, Mobley is back to his double-double ways. He put up 17 and 13 against Philly.
- Jarrett Allen: The anchor is fine. He had a brief scare with an illness earlier in January but played 32 minutes in the last outing.
- Max Strus: Here is the one you're waiting for. Strus is still out. The recovery from his Jones fracture surgery has been slower than anyone liked. While there was hope for a January return, the latest whispers suggest we're looking at February before he’s back in the starting five.
Why This Stretch Defines the Season
The Cavs are currently 23-18. They’ve won five of their last seven, and they’ve finally clawed their way into a tie for the 5th seed in the East. But the Cleveland Cavaliers injury update isn't just about names on a list; it's about the "Core Four" actually playing together.
When Mitchell, Garland, Mobley, and Allen are all healthy, the Cavs have a net rating that rivals the Celtics. The problem is they’ve barely seen that lineup for a consistent month-long stretch.
If Garland misses significant time, the pressure shifts entirely to Ty Jerome and rookie Jaylon Tyson. Tyson has been a bright spot—he’s shown he can handle the lights—but asking a rookie to fill the shoes of an All-Star point guard during a playoff push is a big ask.
The Kenny Atkinson Factor
Coach Atkinson has been scrambling. He’s been vocal about the team's "Christmas hangover" and the lack of consistency. He’s been leaning on a heavy rotation, but with Garland and Merrill potentially out, expect to see more of Craig Porter Jr. and perhaps some creative "point-Mitchell" lineups.
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What to Watch for Next
The team will likely provide a more detailed update on Garland's imaging before Friday's tip-off. If it's a simple "contusion," the city can breathe. If it's a ligament issue or something structural, the trade deadline conversations are going to get very loud, very fast.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors:
- Monitor the Friday Shootaround: If Garland is spotted without a walking boot, that’s a massive win. If he’s not in the building, expect him to miss at least a week.
- The Over/Under Shift: With Garland and Merrill out, the Cavs' offensive efficiency usually dips, but their pace might actually slow down as Mitchell dominates the ball. Watch for the Under on total points if the line stays high.
- Jaylon Tyson Prop Bets: If you’re into the numbers, keep an eye on Tyson’s minutes. With the backcourt depleted, his "over" on rebounds and points becomes a very interesting play.
The Cavaliers have proven they can win shorthanded, but they shouldn't have to make a habit of it. This team is built for a deep run, provided the medical staff can finally catch a break.
Stay tuned for the official injury report on Friday afternoon; that’s when we’ll know if this is a minor speed bump or a full-blown detour.