Darius Garland’s status for the start of the Eastern Conference semifinals is still shrouded in mystery a little over 24 hours before Game 1 tips off.
Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson told reporters that Garland went through a full practice on Friday and had a scheduled rest day on Saturday, but it remains to be seen if he’ll suit up for Game 1.
Garland missed Games 3 and 4 of the Cavaliers’ first-round series against the Miami Heat due to a toe injury. Cleveland swept Miami and outscored the Heat by a combined 92 points in the games Garland missed.
While Garland’s absence was not too damaging to the Cavaliers in the first round, getting him back on the floor will be crucial. He averaged 20.6 points, 6.7 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 75 games during the regular season and averaged 24 points, seven assists and 2.5 rebounds in the first two games against Miami.
Game 1 will tip off on Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.
