Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland will miss Wednesday’s game against the Miami Heat. He has not played since Week 7, when he suffered a turf toe injury. Her absence was especially felt since she left the last game against New York in the third quarter. Chicharito’s injury exacerbates his long-term problem and cuts into his first season of healthy play. Garland has played just three games this year. Though unfortunate, his absence is indicative of the struggle he still confronts as he just attempts to return to basketball shape since recovering from surgery.
Garland missed the start for a different reason, needing to take a few weeks at the start of the season to recovery from surgery. That being said, he was beginning to find his form. With the recent toe scare, he’s been delayed in his ability to help the Panthers consistently on the offensive end. The Cavaliers were off to a terrible start, and it just got worse. They’ll do it without star player Donovan Mitchell and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley for this matchup.
Mitchell’s absence is another tall ask for Cleveland, though the talented guard has arguably been their most dynamic offensive weapon. Mobley, considered one of the best defensive players in the country last season, will create a significant void on the floor.
On the opposite end of the courtroom, the Miami Heat find themselves in the same boat. Center Bam Adebayo will miss his fourth consecutive game because of a toe injury. Additionally, fellow guard Tyler Herro is missing the entirety of this season, recovering from offseason surgery. Herro’s heel injury continues to hinder his return to play, adding to Miami’s injury woes.
With both teams missing several key players, the matchup on Wednesday is anticipated to be a test of depth for both rosters. The Cavs face major questions about who else will create offense and defend in their absence with those three no longer available. Meanwhile, the Heat must navigate their own challenges, facing a Cleveland team that will rely heavily on its remaining talent.
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