Garland and four other Cavaliers are out tonight.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have added Darius Garland (groin), Sam Merrill (ankle), Dean Wade (ankle), Isaac Okoro (ankle) and Caris LeVert (knee) as OUT for tonight’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Cleveland’s other three stars, Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley are all good to go.
Cleveland lost their first game of the season last night in a 120-117 battle with the Boston Celtics. It’s been a grueling schedule to start the year, even if their near-perfect record doesn’t reflect that. Taking off the second night of a back-to-back is a good thing for Garland while Wade, LeVert and Merrill continue to manage their previous injuries.
We might see opportunities emerge for Cavaliers two-way players such as Luke Travers and JT Thor to step into the lineup. Rookie Jaylon Tyson might receive his first meaningful minutes, as well. Getting a closer look at the young talent on this roster is always worth something even if it means a smaller margin of error.
The Pelicans themselves are decimated with injuries and will be without nine players. Eight of which are their top scorers. Jose Alvarado (hamstring), Jordan Hawkins (back), Brandon Ingram (ankle), Herb Jones (shoulder), CJ McCollum (thigh), Trey Murphy III (hamstring), Dejounte Murray (hand), Jaylen Nowell (NWT) and Zion Williamson (hamstring) are all OUT for New Orleans.
This doesn’t mean the Cavs can totally take the night off. Don’t forget two seasons ago when the Golden State Warriors’ skeleton crew, led by Ty Jerome, beat the Cavaliers on their home floor. Anything can happen in the NBA — but as long as the Cavs take care of business, they should end up back in the win column.