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Darius Garland Darius Garland expected to miss start of season
Mon, Jun 9, 2025, 9:36 AM
Shams Charania
ESPN's Shams Charania reports that Darius Garland underwent surgery on a great toe injury and is expected to miss 4-5 months, which will likely include time to start the 2025-26 season.
Analysis: Garland picked up the injury on March 23 against the Jazz and played through it before ultimately missing time. He missed four of the Cavs' final seven games of the regular season and Games 1 and 2 of the first-round playoff series with Indiana, re-aggravating the injury in the process. If Ty Jerome re-signs with Cleveland this offseason, he's the guy most likely to replace Garland in the starting five. Donovan Mitchell's usage rate spiked when Garland sat and he'd appear to be in line for some big fantasy lines early in the season while Garland is sidelined. |
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Max Strus Max Strus goes ice cold in series-ending defeat
Tue, May 13, 2025, 4:25 PM
Max Strus shot 0-of-9 from the field in Tuesday's Game 5 loss to the Pacers, going scoreless with seven rebounds and two assists in 26 minutes.
Analysis: Game 5 was brutal for Strus, who missed all six of his three-point attempts and could not make a shot from the field overall. While he did grab seven rebounds, three more than fellow starter Jarrett Allen, the Cavaliers needed more offensive production from Strus. Due to offseason ankle surgery, Strus did not make his first appearance until just before Christmas, which put him in a difficult spot regarding fantasy value. While many managers did not expect much from Strus beyond offering late-round value, he finished outside the top-175 in eight- and nine-cat formats. Look for him again to be a late-round pick in most fantasy leagues. |
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Jarrett Allen Jarrett Allen limited to nine points in Game 5
Tue, May 13, 2025, 4:22 PM
Jarrett Allen accumulated nine points (4-of-6 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), four rebounds and one steal in 30 minutes in Tuesday's Game 5 loss to the Pacers.
Analysis: After scoring 12 points or more in the first three games of this series, Allen was a shell of himself in Games 4 and 5. While more effective as a scorer in Game 5, the Cavaliers' center's impact was once again muted as the East's top seed watched its season end. That's an unfortunate conclusion for Allen, who matched his Yahoo! ADP (53) in nine-cat formats during the regular season, according to Basketball Monster. While he was a sixth-round player in eight-cat formats, Allen's value taking a hit due to Evan Mobley's emergence was unsurprising. He may not come off the board within the first 50 picks in most drafts next fall, but Allen should remain a dependable option for fantasy managers needing a center. |
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Evan Mobley Evan Mobley posts 24 points, 11 rebounds in Game 5
Tue, May 13, 2025, 4:18 PM
Evan Mobley logged 37 minutes in Tuesday's Game 5 loss to the Pacers, scoring 24 points (8-of-12 FGs, 7-of-9 FTs) with 11 rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one three-pointer.
Analysis: Recording his third double-double in four games, Mobley had his best performance of the series in Game 5. Unfortunately for him, it wasn't good enough to force a Game 6, as Cleveland combined to shoot 9-of-35 from beyond the arc. A sprained ankle sidelined Mobley for Game 2, and the blown lead in that contest set the tone for the Cavaliers. Regarding fantasy basketball, the Cavaliers forward exceeded his Yahoo! ADP (38) in eight- and nine-cat formats, providing top-25 value in the latter. Mobley's ADP should be considerably higher next fall as he continues establishing himself as one of the NBA's top frontcourt players. |
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Darius Garland Darius Garland struggles, finishes with 11 points
Tue, May 13, 2025, 4:15 PM
Darius Garland shot 4-of-16 from the field and 3-of-4 from the foul line in Tuesday's Game 5 loss to the Pacers, scoring 11 points with four rebounds and three assists in 33 minutes.
Analysis: On a night when the Cavaliers needed Garland to be his best, the point guard could not rise to the challenge. Not only did he miss all six of his three-point attempts, but Garland was also responsible for five turnovers. His toe injury suffered during the first round did Garland no favors, but this was a disappointing way for him to end the 2024-25 season. While having a Yahoo! ADP outside the top-50, the Cavaliers' point guard finished within that threshold in eight- and nine-cat formats. Playing alongside Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley may limit his ceiling, but Garland's fantasy floor is relatively safe. |
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Donovan Mitchell Donovan Mitchell scores 35 points in Game 5 loss
Tue, May 13, 2025, 4:11 PM
Donovan Mitchell accumulated 35 points (8-of-25 FGs, 15-of-21 FTs), nine rebounds, one assist, four steals, one block and four three-pointers in 37 minutes in Tuesday's Game 5 loss to the Pacers.
Analysis: Mitchell scored at least 33 points in four of the series' five games, but efficiency was an issue in Tuesday's series finale. He shot just 32 percent from the field, boosting his point total with frequent trips to the foul line. Sometimes, Mitchell appeared to be impacted by his injured left ankle, but many players are dealing with an injury at this stage in the season. While he did not live up to his Yahoo! ADP of 17, the Cavaliers' star offered third-round value in nine-cat formats during the regular season. Mitchell won't be worth selecting with a first-round pick in 12-team drafts next fall, but he should not drop out of the second round. |
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Sam Merrill Sam Merrill (neck) out for Game 5 Tuesday vs. IND
Tue, May 13, 2025, 12:41 PM
Serena Winters
Sam Merrill (neck) is out for Game 5 against the Pacers on Tuesday.
Analysis: A late addition to Cleveland's injury report, Merrill will not be available for a game the Cavaliers need to keep their season alive. His absence leaves the East's top seed down a rotation player, but they will have Donovan Mitchell (ankle) in the starting lineup. |
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Donovan Mitchell Donovan Mitchell (ankle) available for Game 5
Tue, May 13, 2025, 12:39 PM
NBA Lineups
Donovan Mitchell (ankle) is available for Game 5 against the Pacers on Tuesday.
Analysis: Mitchell did not play in the second half of Sunday's Game 4 blowout loss after aggravating a left ankle injury. The good news is that he'll be available for Tuesday's game, and the Cavaliers will need all hands on deck as they trail three games to one. Cleveland will go with its regular starting lineup, with Darius Garland, Max Strus, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen joining Mitchell. According to TNT, an MRI on Monday revealed a sprain and showed that Mitchell did not suffer any additional damage. |
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Sam Merrill Sam Merrill (neck) now questionable for Game 5
Tue, May 13, 2025, 12:34 PM
NBA Injury Report
Sam Merrill (neck) is questionable for Game 5 against the Pacers on Tuesday.
Analysis: Absent from the Cavaliers' initial injury report for Game 5, Merrill has been added due to a strained neck. With Donovan Mitchell (ankle) a game-time decision, Cleveland could be down two rotation players with their season on the line. They would require more production from Darius Garland, Max Strus and Ty Jerome to keep their season alive. |
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Donovan Mitchell Donovan Mitchell (ankle) a GTD for Game 5
Mon, May 12, 2025, 7:40 AM
Pat McAfee Show
ESPN's Shams Charania reports Donovan Mitchell has been diagnosed with a re-aggravation of a left ankle injury and will be a game-time decision for Game 5.
Analysis: Mitchell didn't return after halftime of Sunday's blowout loss, and Ty Jerome started in his place for the second half. The Cavs were getting stomped 80-39, but apparently the injury is more serious than initially thought, and his absence in the second half was more than precautionary. If he's unable to go, Jerome would likely get the starting nod as Cleveland faces elimination at home down 3-1 in the series. |
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Darius Garland Darius Garland scores 21 points in blowout loss
Sun, May 11, 2025, 5:09 PM
Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 21 points (6-of-11 FGs, 8-of-8 FTs), one rebound, six assists, one steal and one three-pointer in a 129-109 loss to the Pacers in Game 4 on Sunday.
Analysis: It didn't have much of an impact on the final score, but Garland was much better in the second half. He had 12 points in the third quarter alone before sitting out the entire fourth quarter. At that point, the score was simply too lopsided for Garland to continue. Still, it was good to see him have a productive night after he struggled in Game 3 and missed Games 1 and 2. With Donovan Mitchell (ankle) set to have an MRI on Monday, a lot of responsibility may fall on Garland's shoulders to keep Cleveland's season alive in Game 5 on Tuesday. |
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Jarrett Allen Jarrett Allen held to just two points in Game 4
Sun, May 11, 2025, 5:06 PM
Jarrett Allen was ineffective on Sunday and contributed just two points (0-of-1 FGs), two rebounds, one assist and one block in 20 minutes in Game 4 against the Pacers.
Analysis: Coming off two straight double-doubles, Allen was rendered ineffective in Sunday's blowout loss. He was on the floor for 20 minutes, but he set a new season-low for rebounds and missed his only shot attempt. It was a game to forget for both Allen and the Cavaliers, and they'll only have one day off before Game 5 on Tuesday. They'll look to get back on track and keep their season alive with the series shifting back to Cleveland. |
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Donovan Mitchell Donovan Mitchell (ankle) to get MRI on Monday
Sun, May 11, 2025, 5:02 PM
Scott Agness
Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson said Donovan Mitchell will get an MRI on his left ankle on Monday.
Analysis: Mitchell exited from Game 4 at halftime, and it wasn't clear at the time if the 41-point deficit was a factor. However, Mitchell will undergo more testing on Monday, which will give a better indication of his status ahead of Game 5 on Tuesday. With Cleveland facing a 3-1 deficit, it's difficult to imagine Mitchell not playing through it if it's only a minor injury. Ty Jerome started the second half in place of Mitchell and would likely start Game 5 if the injury is significant. |
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Isaac Okoro Isaac Okoro chips in 13 points in Game 4 loss
Sun, May 11, 2025, 4:58 PM
Isaac Okoro finished with 13 points (5-of-6 FGs), two rebounds, one steal and two three-pointers in 19 minutes in Game 4 against the Pacers on Sunday.
Analysis: Okoro hasn't seen the floor much during the playoffs, but the former top-five pick took on extra minutes in this game due to the lopsided score. He took advantage of the opportunity and helped turn a 41-point halftime deficit into only a 20-point loss. Okoro likely won't play as much in Game 5 as Cleveland battles to keep its season alive, though he was one of the few bright spots in an ugly loss on Sunday. |
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Donovan Mitchell Mitchell (ankle) doubtful to return to Game 4
Sun, May 11, 2025, 4:11 PM
Serena Winters
Donovan Mitchell (ankle) is doubtful to return to Game 4 against the Pacers on Sunday.
Analysis: While the 41-point halftime deficit may have been a factor in this decision, it certainly isn't a good sign. Mitchell dealt with a left ankle injury at the end of the regular season and is now dealing with an injury to the same ankle. The extent isn't clear, but Cleveland won't be able to win this series without their superstar. Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De'Andre Hunter have also been limited by injuries in this series. Ty Jerome started the second half in place of Mitchell, who was the team's leading scorer at halftime with 12 points. |
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Max Strus Max Strus contributes 20 points in blowout win
Fri, May 9, 2025, 4:51 PM
Max Strus shot 8-of-12 from the field in Friday's Game 3 win over the Pacers, scoring 20 points with seven rebounds, seven assists, one block and four three-pointers in 33 minutes.
Analysis: While Donovan Mitchell's masterclass and the returns of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De'Andre Hunter were the biggest storylines of Game 3, Strus' performance should not be overlooked. After tallying 23 points in Game 2, the sharpshooter shot 4-of-8 from three and recorded his second straight 20-point stat line. Also, Strus was the primary defender on Tyrese Haliburton for most of the night, with the Pacers' point guard only scoring four points. Cleveland will hope for a similar performance from Strus as they look to even the series at two games apiece on Sunday. |
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Jarrett Allen Jarrett Allen posts 19 points, 12 rebounds in win
Fri, May 9, 2025, 4:48 PM
Jarrett Allen recorded 19 points (6-of-11 FGs, 7-of-8 FTs), 12 rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 31 minutes in Friday's Game 3 win over the Pacers.
Analysis: Allen has double-doubles in his last two outings, grabbing 12 rebounds in Games 2 and 3. With frontcourt sidekick Evan Mobley returning to the lineup after missing Game 2 with a sprained ankle, Allen had a little more room to do what he needed offensively on Friday. The Cavaliers will look to even the series at two games apiece when they visit the Pacers in Game 4 on Sunday. |
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Evan Mobley Evan Mobley posts 18/13/4/3/3 line in Game 3 win
Fri, May 9, 2025, 4:37 PM
Evan Mobley accumulated 18 points (6-of-13 FGs, 5-of-6 FTs), 13 rebounds, four assists, three steals, three blocks and one three-pointer in 35 minutes in Friday's Game 3 win over the Pacers.
Analysis: Back in the Cavaliers' lineup after missing Game 2 with a sprained ankle, Mobley was impactful on Friday. While he shot the ball reasonably well, the NBA Defensive Player of the Year was a menace defensively. Mobley recorded six âstocks,â which doesn't tell the whole story of his impact in Game 3. Keeping him healthy will be paramount for the Cavaliers if they're to rebound and win this series. The Cavaliers and Pacers meet in Game 4 on Sunday. |
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Darius Garland Darius Garland (toe) plays 25 minutes in return
Fri, May 9, 2025, 4:35 PM
Darius Garland (toe) amassed 10 points (3-of-11 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), one rebound, three assists and two three-pointers in 25 minutes in Friday's Game 3 win over the Pacers.
Analysis: Friday's game was Garland's first since Game 2 of the Cavaliers' first-round series against the Heat. He did look rusty, but the more concerning moment occurred during the third quarter. Garland appeared to have tweaked the toe injury that sidelined him for four games, but he was able to return later in the contest. Cleveland holding onto its gaudy lead ensured that Garland would not be extended too far in his first game back from injury. He'll now rest up for Game 4 on Sunday night. |
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Donovan Mitchell Mitchell records 43/9/5/1 line in Game 3 victory
Fri, May 9, 2025, 4:33 PM
Donovan Mitchell finished Friday's Game 3 win over the Pacers with 43 points (14-of-29 FGs, 10-of-14 FTs), nine rebounds, five assists, one steal and five three-pointers in 37 minutes.
Analysis: Of course, the returns of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De'Andre Hunter increased the Cavaliers' chances of getting a win on Friday. But superstars need to step up in spots like the one Cleveland found itself in after losing the first two games. Mitchell did that in Game 3, surpassing the 40-point mark for the second straight game. He's scored 33 or more in all three games, with efficiency only being an issue in Game 1. It's become clear that the Pacers don't have a good defensive matchup for Mitchell, which should continue to result in gaudy stat lines for the Cavaliers' star guard. Game 4 is on Sunday. |
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