The Cleveland Cavaliers’ playoff hopes have taken a major hit ahead of Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers, with three key players officially ruled out: Evan Mobley (ankle), Darius Garland (toe), and De’Andre Hunter (thumb) Mobley, recently named NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a first-time All-Star, suffered a left ankle sprain late in Game 1 after landing awkwardly on Myles Turner’s foot. Garland, meanwhile, will miss his fourth straight game due to a lingering toe injury, while Hunter is sidelined after dislocating his thumb on a hard fall in the fourth quarter
With Cleveland already trailing 1-0 in the series, the absence of Mobley and Garland leaves the Cavaliers severely shorthanded. Dean Wade and Isaac Okoro are expected to see increased minutes, and Jarrett Allen’s presence in the paint becomes even more critical as the Cavs scramble to adjust their lineup Donovan Mitchell will be tasked with carrying an even heavier offensive load as the team tries to avoid falling into a 2-0 hole at home.
As the Cavs face the Pacers tonight, all eyes are on how Cleveland’s depleted roster will respond-and whether any unexpected heroes can emerge to keep their postseason run alive
