Cavaliers Injury Update: Will Darius Garland Play Tonight vs the Raptors After Suffering Neck Injury Against the Lakers?

The Cleveland Cavaliers have once again fell victim to a slew of injuries this season. It seems like all their key players cannot stay healthy at the same time. Just when Isaac Okoro returned from a knee injury and Donovan Mitchell from a hamstring injury, their lead point guard, Darius Garland, suffered a neck strain during their recent loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. With offensive struggles already plaguing them, the Cavaliers could face even more inconsistency if Garland, averaging 19 points, is sidelined.

The Cavaliers will lock heads with their Eastern Conference rivals, the Toronto Raptors, for the first time this season. The Raptors are riding high on a two-game winning streak and would look for a third consecutive win. In this light, the main source of intrigue for Cavs fans is whether Darius Garland will take the court tonight versus the Raptors after suffering a neck injury.

Will Darius Garland play tonight?

Darius Garland left Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers and did not return in the second half. This apparently happened when he fell awkwardly and hit his head while driving to the basket. The fall likely aggravated the neck strain that he endured earlier in the season during the second half of the 132-120 loss to Sacramento.

Garland’s recent injury scare puts a question mark on his availability tonight in the crucial matchup against the Raptors. He is listed as day-to-day on the official injury report and will be a game-time decision. However, he is most likely to miss the game, since the Cavs would want to exercise caution and prevent further damage to their lead point guard. In the wake of his recent development, the Cavs’ depth and rotation will be tested tonight.

Cleveland’s projected starting lineup

To add to their injury woes, they have three players who will be missing the contest tonight. Ricky Rubio has decided to step away from basketball to focus on his mental health for the time being. In addition, Ty Jerome and Dean Wade are ruled out due to ankle injuries.

Read More: Anthony Davis Divulges How Darius Garland’s Injury “Helped” Lakers Clinch Victory vs Cavs

Cleveland’s predicted starting five might look like – Darius Garland, Max Strus, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. If Garland misses tonight’s matchup, Isaac Okoro is most likely to take over the starting point guard duties, as he did in Saturday’s loss against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Watch this story: “Need Some of Your Juice”: Hilarious exchange between Tyrese Maxey and Darius Garland Ahead of 76ers-Cavs Clash

What are your predictions about tonight’s game at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse? Let us know in the comments!