Sun May 04 21:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Cavaliers’ Garland Questionable for Playoff Opener Against Pacers
**INDEPENDENCE, OH –** Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star guard Darius Garland is listed as questionable for Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. Garland is battling a lingering sprained left big toe that sidelined him for the final two games of the regular season and the final two games of the Cavs’ first-round sweep of the Miami Heat.
After participating in a full-contact practice on Friday, Garland sat out Saturday’s session. Head coach Kenny Atkinson stated that the point guard’s availability will be a game-time decision, adding that the injury may persist throughout the playoffs. “We’re just in this kind of area where you just got to kind of see day by day and see how it feels tomorrow morning,” Atkinson said.
Garland, averaging 20.6 points and 6.7 assists during the regular season, is a crucial piece of the Cavaliers’ offense. While his shooting form appears unaffected, the coach acknowledges the pain associated with the injury.
If Garland is unable to play, either Sam Merrill or Isaac Okoro will likely start; Merrill having filled in for the last two games.
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