Cavaliers Face Severe Injury Challenges Ahead of Pacers Series

The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing mounting concerns in their playoff series against the Indiana Pacers due to injuries to key players. Darius Garland, their starting point guard, is dealing with a significant left toe sprain that has kept him out of recent games and is considered a major concern for the team, with no clear timetable for his return. Additionally, Evan Mobley (ankle) and De'Andre Hunter (thumb) are both questionable after sustaining injuries in Game 1, further depleting Cleveland's roster. Coach Kenny Atkinson expressed frustration over the physicality that led to these injuries, noting the difficulty of competing without top contributors. The Pacers, already up 1-0 in the series and performing strongly since January, could capitalize if the Cavaliers remain shorthanded. The absence of Garland, Mobley, and Hunter threatens Cleveland's chances of advancing, making the upcoming games critical for their playoff hopes.