MIAMI – The Cleveland Cavaliers face a significant challenge in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Miami Heat, as they will be without their star guard Darius Garland. The All-Star point guard has been ruled out due to a sprained left big toe, an injury he aggravated late in Game 2, which the Cavaliers won 121-112 to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Garland's absence was confirmed just 30 minutes before tip-off on Saturday, April 26, 2025, when the Cavaliers announced he would not play. This news comes after Garland had been listed as questionable heading into the game, with hopes that he could test the injury during warm-ups. However, Garland did not participate in the pregame session, signaling trouble for his availability.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson had expressed optimism earlier in the day, stating that Garland would undergo a warm-up to determine if he could "give it a whirl" in Game 3. Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, Garland's pain proved too great, and he was ultimately sidelined.
In the first two games of this playoff series, Garland demonstrated his value to the team, averaging an impressive 24 points and 7 assists per game, shooting 51.6 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from beyond the arc. His performance has been pivotal in the Cavaliers' success, as they seek to advance deeper into the playoffs.
Garland's injury is particularly concerning given his contributions throughout the regular season, where he averaged 20.6 points and 6.7 assists per game. The Cavaliers have a strong record when he plays, boasting a 62-15 mark this season, including playoffs. In contrast, their record drops to 4-3 when he does not take the court.
With Garland out, Sam Merrill will step into the starting lineup. Merrill, known for his shooting ability, will have big shoes to fill as the Cavaliers look to maintain their momentum against a resilient Heat team. The Cavaliers have been particularly strong against Eastern Conference opponents, posting a 41-11 record this season, and they will need every advantage as the series shifts to Miami.
Miami, on the other hand, is looking to capitalize on Garland's absence. The Heat's All-Star guard Tyler Herro took issue with Garland's comments following Game 2, where he mentioned that Cleveland's game plan was to "pick on Tyler Herro." Herro responded with pointed remarks about Garland's defensive capabilities, stating, "Somebody that doesn’t play defense shouldn’t be talking, either." This back-and-forth has added an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.
Despite the absence of Garland, the Cavaliers have shown they can compete at a high level. The team has relied heavily on Donovan Mitchell, who has taken on a larger role in the offense, contributing significantly to their playoff success thus far. In both games played at home, the Cavaliers scored 121 points, showcasing their offensive firepower.
The Heat, ranked seventh in the NBA in defensive efficiency, will aim to exploit Cleveland's vulnerability without Garland. Miami has a mixed record at home this season, going 19-22 in front of their fans. However, they will be motivated to turn their fortunes around, especially after losing their last three home games.
As the game approaches, the stakes are high for both teams. The Cavaliers are looking to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the series, while the Heat are desperate to avoid falling into a deeper hole. The absence of Garland will undoubtedly impact Cleveland's strategy, and how they adapt will be crucial to their chances of victory.
In the regular season, Garland played in 75 games, demonstrating consistent performance and resilience. His recent struggles with the toe injury, which caused him to miss two of the final three games of the regular season, have raised concerns about his long-term health and availability.
As the Cavaliers prepare to tip off at 1 p.m. in Miami, all eyes will be on how they respond to the challenge of playing without their star guard. With the series still in its early stages, the outcome of Game 3 could set the tone for the remainder of the matchup.
In conclusion, the Cleveland Cavaliers will have to dig deep without Darius Garland as they face the Miami Heat in Game 3 of their playoff series. The stakes are high, and both teams will be looking to assert their dominance as the series continues. Can the Cavaliers maintain their momentum and secure a 3-0 lead, or will the Heat capitalize on this opportunity to get back into the series?
