The Cleveland Cavaliers will face significant adversity in Game 2 of their second-round playoff matchup against the Indiana Pacers, as key players Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and De’Andre Hunter have all been officially ruled out, according to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.
This trio of injuries presents a major setback for the Eastern Conference’s top seed, especially as the Cavs attempt to avoid falling into a daunting 0-2 hole in the series.
Mobley is sidelined with a sprained left ankle, sustained during Game 1. The injury will force the Cavs to make adjustments in the frontcourt, where Mobley has been a defensive anchor.
Garland, meanwhile, continues to be hampered by a sprained big toe on his left foot, an issue that has persisted since the end of the regular season and will now cause him to miss his fourth consecutive playoff game. Hunter, who dislocated his right thumb in the series opener, also joins the unavailable list.
In his pregame remarks, head coach Kenny Atkinson avoided giving a clear status update at the time, but he made it clear that the Cavaliers’ coaching staff had planned for multiple contingencies:
“We’ve got to be ready for plan A, B, and C,” Atkinson said. “We’ve got a great group. We’ve got great leadership. We’ve always responded. Great maturity, great professionalism, and this is part of what we figure things out as a group. These experiences make you better, make you stronger as a group and we obviously have to respond on the floor, but liked our approach leading up.”
With three rotation players sidelined, the Cavaliers will need to rely heavily on their depth, composure, and collective experience to keep their championship hopes alive.
Mobley, Garland, Hunter Ruled Out For Game 2 https://t.co/UwgUCdWYcM pic.twitter.com/9y6YDEBpaZ
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 6, 2025
