Cleveland Cavaliers point general Darius Garland participated in his first full-contact practice on Tuesday. He is nearing an anticipated return as soon as possible.
Garland had a workout with the Cavs and remained on the floor afterward for extra drills with the club’s assistant coaches as noted by Tom Withers of The Associated Press.
The star guard’s availability on their Wednesday bout against the Boston Celtics is unclear, though head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has provided that things are yet to be seen depending on the scenario.
“We’ll see tomorrow,” Bickerstaff said. “He went through everything. It’s how he’s feeling tomorrow and what the swelling looks like. But he was good today. He’s done enough to go ahead and play if he’s gonna play.”
Garland has missed the Cavs’ last five games after sustaining the eye injury in an unintentional poke made by Toronto Raptors swingman Gary Trent Jr. back in Oct. 19 season opener. He took a laceration and has been dealing with soreness all throughout.
Amid his absence, the Cavs powered their way to a 5-0 record blitz thanks to the production of his backcourt star running mate Donovan Mitchell and the rest of their reliable supporting crew.
Bickerstaff is delighted that Garland continues to keep his support with his team while wearing glasses and keeping himself within the team’s huddle.
“He’s watching with an eye on what’s happening and why it’s happening,” Bickerstaff stated. “So when he does come back he understands and he’s participating even though he’s not out on the floor.”
