Fri May 09 22:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Cavaliers Face Must-Win Game 3 Against Pacers Amidst Injury Crisis
**Indianapolis, IN** – The Cleveland Cavaliers face a daunting task as they head to Indianapolis for Game 3 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series against the Indiana Pacers, trailing 2-0. The team’s hopes for a comeback are hanging in the balance, as the status of three key players remains uncertain.
All-Star forward Evan Mobley (sprained left ankle), All-Star point guard Darius Garland (sprained left big toe), and wing De’Andre Hunter (sprained right thumb) all participated in a light shootaround on Friday morning, but their availability for Game 3 remains questionable. While they all handled the ball and participated in drills, the team refrained from any full-contact practice.
Garland has missed four consecutive games due to his toe injury, originally sustained during the regular season and aggravated in the first round. Mobley’s ankle injury occurred in Game 1, while Hunter’s thumb injury resulted from a hard fall in the same game.
Adding to the Cavaliers’ woes, All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell is also playing through a calf strain, although he is not officially listed on the injury report. Coach Kenny Atkinson expressed confidence in Mitchell’s fitness.
The Cavaliers desperately need a victory in Game 3 to avoid falling into a commanding 3-0 deficit. The outcome will heavily depend on the return of Mobley, Garland, and Hunter, and their ability to withstand the Pacers’ strong performance at home. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on May 9th.
First Piper 