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Cavs Hold Out Darius Garland for Opener Despite Encouraging Practice Progress

Cleveland is favoring long-term health, waiting on data-driven benchmarks before clearing the guard.

Overview

  • Garland participated in most of Monday’s practice and took part in live scrimmage, which the team viewed as a positive step.
  • Coach Kenny Atkinson said Garland is ahead of schedule but stressed consultation with head trainer Steve Spiro and a deliberate ramp-up.
  • Garland is listed as out for the season opener against the Knicks, and no specific return date has been set.
  • The Cavaliers are using objective metrics such as acceleration and deceleration comparisons, sprint speed, and force-plate testing to assess readiness.
  • With Garland and Max Strus sidelined and De’Andre Hunter questionable, Cleveland is testing depth as Garland contributes by mentoring rookie Jaylon Tyson.