Fri May 09 22:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Cavaliers’ Big Three Return for Game 3 Against Pacers
**INDIANAPOLIS** – The Cleveland Cavaliers will have their star trio back on the court for Game 3 of their Eastern Conference First Round series against the Indiana Pacers. All-Stars Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, along with key reserve De’Andre Hunter, will play tonight after missing Game 2 due to injuries, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports. Both Garland and Mobley are listed in the starting lineup.
Garland, who has been sidelined since Game 3 of the first-round series against the Miami Heat with a sprained left big toe, and Mobley (left ankle sprain) and Hunter (right thumb sprain), both injured in Game 1, all participated in shootaround and were cleared by the team’s athletic performance group. Coach Kenny Atkinson confirmed their availability prior to tip-off.
The news is a major boost for the Cavaliers. Garland averaged 20.6 points and 6.7 assists this season, while Mobley, the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, contributed 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.6 blocks. Hunter, acquired from the Hawks at the trade deadline, averaged 14.3 points and 4.2 rebounds in his time with Cleveland.
Meanwhile, the Pacers’ injury report remains relatively clean, with only center Isaiah Jackson (Achilles tendon tear) ruled out. All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered a wrist injury in Game 2, is expected to play despite wearing a wrap during Thursday’s practice.
Game 3 tips off at 7:30 p.m. Eastern.
First Piper 