Overview

• Darius Garland remains day-to-day after a sprained toe sidelined him for the final two games of Cleveland's first-round sweep against Miami.
• The Cavaliers dominated the Heat in Garland's absence, winning back-to-back games with a record-setting 92-point combined margin and improved defensive metrics.
• Coach Kenny Atkinson has not finalized Garland's potential replacement in the starting lineup, with Sam Merrill and other options under consideration.
• Garland's defensive reputation has drawn scrutiny, with opponents and analysts pointing to his perceived vulnerabilities in Cleveland's switch-heavy system.
• Cleveland's depth and tactical adjustments have been key, with role players like Ty Jerome, De’Andre Hunter, and Max Strus stepping up during Garland's absence.