Is Darius Garland playing tonight against the Indiana Pacers? Injury report reveals the Cleveland Cavaliers star's status for Game 2 (May 6, 2025)

The Cleveland Cavaliers entered the Eastern Conference Semifinals with high expectations. But their momentum hit a wall in Game 1 against the Indiana Pacers, who stunned the Cavs with a road victory. A key factor in Cleveland’s loss was the absence of All-Star guard Darius Garland, who remains sidelined with a sprained left big toe.

With Game 2 looming, Garland’s status is under scrutiny. Here’s the latest on his availability and how the Cavs’ injury report could shape tonight’s matchup.

Darius Garland’s injury status for Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers (May 6, 2025)

Darius Garland has missed three consecutive games due to a lingering toe sprain. Despite his eagerness to return, the Cavs are cautious about rushing him back.

Key updates on Garland’s condition:

- Listed as questionable for Game 2.

- Experienced significant swelling and pain, per Jared Greenberg’s report.

- Participated in light practice Monday but remains day-to-day.

Darius Garland’s absence has been glaring. In the two playoff games he played against Miami, he averaged 24 points and 7 assists—production Cleveland sorely missed in their Game 1 loss.

Cleveland Cavaliers full injury report for tonight’s Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers (May 6, 2025)

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Garland isn’t the only concern for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Two other key players are questionable for tonight:

1. Evan Mobley (left ankle sprain)

- Suffered the injury in Game 1.

- Recorded a 20-point double-double before exiting.

- Critical as Cleveland’s defensive anchor.

2. De’Andre Hunter (dislocated finger)

- Injured during the series opener.

- His absence would further thin the Cavs’ frontcourt depth.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the Cavs’ injury report:


Player

Injury

Status for Game 2

Impact



Can the Cleveland Cavaliers survive without their stars?

The Pacers exposed the Cleveland Cavaliers’ vulnerabilities in Game 1, capitalizing on their lack of backcourt creativity without Garland. If Mobley and Hunter also sit, the Cavs face an uphill battle:

- Offensive struggles: Garland’s playmaking relieves pressure on Donovan Mitchell. Without him, the offense becomes predictable.

- Defensive gaps: Mobley’s rim protection is irreplaceable. Indiana’s fast-paced attack could exploit his absence.

- Depth concerns: Hunter’s versatility helps counter the Pacers’ perimeter shooting. Losing him strains an already thin rotation.

Garland’s final status will be determined closer to tip-off. While he’s optimistic about playing, medical staff may err on the side of caution. The same applies to Mobley and Hunter.

Also read: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers final injury report (Game 2, May 6, 2025) - Is Evan Mobley playing tonight against the Indiana Pacers?

Game 2 tips off tonight at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. All eyes will be on the injury report updates in the hours leading up to the game.