CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing a daunting challenge as they prepare for Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Trailing 1-0 in the best-of-seven series after a 121-112 loss in Game 1, the Cavaliers will have to battle without three of their key players: All-Star guard Darius Garland, forward Evan Mobley, and wing De'Andre Hunter.
Shortly before tipoff, the Cavaliers officially ruled out Garland, Mobley, and Hunter due to injuries sustained in Game 1. Garland has been sidelined with a sprained left big toe, an injury that has kept him out of action since Game 2 of the first round against the Miami Heat. Mobley, the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year, sprained his left ankle during a critical moment in the fourth quarter of Game 1, while Hunter dislocated his right thumb after a hard fall when his dunk attempt was blocked by Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin.
Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson, who was recently named the NBA's Coach of the Year, expressed his frustration with the officiating that led to the injuries. "Even if it’s not malice, we need to see our best players playing in the playoffs," Atkinson said during his pregame media session. He emphasized that the physicality of playoff basketball should not come at the expense of player safety.
In the absence of Garland and Mobley, Ty Jerome and Dean Wade will step into the starting lineup alongside Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, and Jarrett Allen. This marks the first postseason start for both Jerome and Wade, who will be crucial in trying to keep the Cavaliers competitive against a potent Pacers offense. The Cavaliers have had a stellar season, finishing with a league-best 64-18 record, but injuries at this critical juncture could prove detrimental.
Garland's absence has been felt throughout the playoffs, as he has not played since injuring his toe. He averaged 21.6 points and 6.6 assists during the regular season and was a key contributor to the Cavaliers' success. Mobley, who has averaged 17 points and 7.2 rebounds in the playoffs, suffered his injury while attempting a hook shot late in Game 1. He landed awkwardly on Pacers center Myles Turner's foot, leading to the sprain. "I came down wrong a little bit," Mobley explained after the game, visibly upset about missing such a crucial matchup.
Hunter, who was acquired from the Atlanta Hawks earlier in the season and has averaged 17 points per game, also expressed disappointment over his inability to contribute. After the Game 1 incident, he initially hoped to play in Game 2, but the dislocated thumb proved too severe. Atkinson noted that both Mobley and Hunter continued to play after their injuries, highlighting their determination and competitive spirit.
The Cavaliers will need a strong performance from Mitchell, who is expected to carry the scoring load in this pivotal game. Mitchell has been a standout player throughout the playoffs, and his ability to lead the team will be crucial in attempting to even the series. With the depth of the bench reduced significantly due to the injuries, Cleveland's role players will need to step up and deliver.
As the game approaches, the atmosphere in Cleveland is charged with anticipation. Fans are hoping for a turnaround after the disappointment of Game 1, where the Cavaliers struggled to keep pace with Indiana's offensive firepower. The Pacers, led by their own All-Star, have proven to be a formidable opponent. Indiana's victory in Game 1 was a wake-up call for the Cavaliers, who now find themselves in a must-win situation.
Atkinson's frustration with the officiating has been echoed by many within the organization, as the Cavaliers submitted plays for review where they felt fouls should have been called. "It’s hard for me to get my head around that," Atkinson said, referring to the lack of calls on the plays that led to Mobley and Hunter’s injuries. The Cavaliers are hoping that the league will take their concerns seriously, as they look to protect their players moving forward.
As the Cavaliers take the court for Game 2, they are reminded of the historical significance of their current situation. They haven’t lost their first two home playoff games since 1996, when they fell to the New York Knicks in the first round. The pressure is on for Cleveland to avoid repeating that history and to showcase their resilience in the face of adversity.
With the stakes high and the injuries mounting, the Cavaliers are determined to fight for their playoff lives. The outcome of Game 2 could set the tone for the remainder of the series, and the team knows they must rally together if they hope to keep their championship aspirations alive. Fans will be watching closely as the Cavaliers aim to bounce back and even the series against the Pacers.
