Basketball is a game of rhythm, but for the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, that rhythm sounds more like a car engine trying to turn over in a blizzard. You’ve likely seen the headlines by now. Darius Garland is out. Again. But if you’re looking at the Cavaliers injury report today thinking it’s just another "rest" week for a star, you’re missing the actual drama happening behind the scenes at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Honestly, it’s getting a bit ridiculous.
The team officially announced on Sunday, January 18, 2026, that Garland has a Grade 1 sprain in his right big toe. He’s going to be sidelined for at least a week, with a re-evaluation scheduled in that seven-to-ten day window. If that sounds familiar, it’s because it is. Garland has already missed 16 games this season. The kicker? Most of those were for his other foot. He had surgery on his left big toe over the summer, and now the right one has decided to give out.
It happened Wednesday in Philly. Garland was trying to split a trap, lost his footing, and basically crumpled. You could see the frustration on his face—that look of "not this again"—as he walked off with trainer Stephen Spiro.
Who is actually on the Cavaliers injury report today?
It isn't just Garland. The list is kind of a revolving door right now. While the Cavs (24-19) are sitting fifth in the East, they are doing it with a roster that feels held together by tape and prayers.
Dean Wade is the one glimmer of hope here. He’s been dealing with a left knee contusion that cost him five games, but he’s currently listed as probable for Monday’s massive afternoon tilt against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Having Wade back is huge. He’s that "glue guy" who doesn't hunt shots but keeps the defense from collapsing.
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Then you have the guys who definitely aren't walking through those doors tomorrow:
- Sam Merrill: Ruled out with a right hand sprain. This hurts their floor spacing more than people realize.
- Max Strus: Still out with that lingering foot issue.
- Darius Garland: The big one. Grade 1 toe sprain. Out at least a week.
The timing is brutal. The Cavs are about to face the defending champ Thunder, and they’re doing it without their primary floor general. Luckily, Donovan Mitchell is healthy, but even "Spida" can’t play 48 minutes of point guard without wearing down.
The Jaylon Tyson factor
If there is one reason Cavs fans haven't completely lost their minds, it’s Jaylon Tyson. The sophomore wing is basically turning into the most improved player in the league right before our eyes. When Garland sits, Tyson turns into a different animal. We're talking about a guy averaging nearly 17 points and 6 rebounds when he starts.
Coach Kenny Atkinson has already hinted that Tyson is going to be the primary ball-handler alongside Mitchell. It’s a lot of pressure for a young guy, but he’s been the one consistent bright spot in a season defined by trips to the Cleveland Clinic.
Why the Garland injury is a massive headache
Let’s talk about the "fit" problem that nobody wants to mention loudly.
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There’s a segment of the fanbase—and frankly, some league scouts—who think the Cavs actually play "cleaner" basketball when one of the two small guards is out. It’s a harsh take. Garland is a two-time All-Star. He’s averaging 20.2 points and 7.4 assists over his last 16 games. He was shooting over 50% from the floor before this latest setback.
But when he’s gone, the hierarchy becomes simple: it’s Donovan’s team.
The ball moves differently. Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley get more touches in the flow of the offense rather than just being lob targets. It creates this weird paradox where the team loses its most talented playmaker but gains a certain defensive toughness because they're forced to play bigger lineups with guys like Lonzo Ball or Craig Porter Jr.
Speaking of Lonzo, the move to swap Isaac Okoro for him is looking like a stroke of genius. He isn't the same player he was in Chicago, but his 97th percentile rebounding for a guard and his "hockey assist" mentality are keeping this second unit alive.
What happens next?
The schedule doesn't care about your toes. After the Thunder on Monday, the Cavs have a quick turnaround against the Hornets and then the Kings.
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The medical staff is being extra cautious because they've seen how toe injuries can linger—just look at how Garland's left foot hampered his entire 2024-25 campaign. They cannot afford for this right toe sprain to become a chronic "turf toe" situation that saps his lateral quickness.
If you are a bettor or a fantasy manager, keep a close eye on Craig Porter Jr. He’s been vocal about needing to "pick up his scoring," and with Merrill and Garland out, there are about 25-30 minutes of guard play up for grabs.
Actionable Insights for the Week:
- Monitor the Trade Deadline: With Garland’s recurring foot issues, don't be surprised if the rumors about a "blockbuster" trade involving one of the core four start heating up again. The front office says they're standing pat, but 2026 is a "win-now" year.
- Pick Up Jaylon Tyson: If he’s somehow still on your fantasy waiver wire, fix that immediately. His usage rate spikes by nearly 8% when Garland is inactive.
- Watch the Minutes: If Mitchell starts pushing 40 minutes a night this week, expect a "rest game" sooner rather than later. The Cavs are playing the long game, even if it costs them a seed in the standings.
The Cavaliers injury report today is a reminder that in the NBA, availability is the only stat that truly matters. Cleveland has the talent to be a top-three seed, but they’re currently stuck in a cycle of "what if." For now, it’s the Donovan Mitchell and Jaylon Tyson show. Stay tuned.