The Cleveland Cavaliers tipped off their 2025-26 season against the New York Knicks tonight, as they look to take an early lead in the Eastern Conference standings. However, there was a glaring absence during starting lineups: one half of the team’s dynamic backcourt, Darius Garland, was missing. Here’s why the All-Star is missing his team’s opening night matchup.

Garland, the Cavs’ lead point guard, remains sidelined as he recovers from a toe surgery this past June. The guard suffered the injury during Cleveland’s first-round matchup against the Miami Heat, and it cost them dearly in their next playoff series against Indiana. Garland tried playing through the injury but was significantly weakened, prompting surgery in the offseason.

Going into the matchup with the Knicks, Cleveland is starting Donovan Mitchell and Sam Merrill at the guard spots, Jaylon Tyson and Evan Mobley at forward, and Jarrett Allen at center. Mitchell, Cleveland’s leading scorer last season, is expected to take on most of the ball-handling duties in Garland’s stead, with the addition of Lonzo Ball, who is expected to take on a playmaking role off the bench.

Apart from Darius, the Cavs are also missing multiple wing players. De’Andre Hunter is missing tonight after being listed as ‘questionable’ with a knee injury. He sustained a knee contusion after taking a hard fall in Cleveland’s last preseason game against the Pistons, though he said he was “alright” afterward and would be ready for the season opener.

Max Strus will also be unavailable while he recovers from a Jones fracture in his left foot sustained during an offseason workout. Strus is expected to be back in 3-4 months.

Garland played 75 games last year in the regular season after an injury-riddled 2023-24 season. With him ramping up, head coach Kenny Atkinson has built a lineup prioritizing spacing and aggressive offense.

Merrill, a former 60th overall pick, earned himself a contract extension this offseason and will be looked at to add long-distance scoring. Tyson, the sophomore, and Mobley, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, will have to focus on shutting down New York’s wing duo of OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges.

Kenny Atkinson Stresses Big Picture as Darius Garland Heals

The Cavaliers are staying patient with Garland’s injury. Heading into the matchup, Kenny Atkinson told reporters, “He did most of practice today and we were live, so we’ll see how he responds tomorrow,” indicating optimism.

Garland is making strides, but the team isn’t putting a timeline on his return yet, giving the guard enough time to get his body right.

Atkinson also stressed that the medical staff are closely monitoring his rehab. “Let’s make sure this build-up is correct. Let’s make sure we’re progressing because I want DG healthy long term for the season, for the playoffs,” he said, highlighting the organization’s patient approach.

He also highlighted that Garland’s return in performance is not linear, and clarified that he’s looking for small steps instead of a quick recovery.

Practicing in full-contact five-on-five drills is an integral part of the recovery process for Garland, and his rehab will dictate how the team navigates the early part of their season.

Whether Cleveland can maintain their impressive regular-season performance from last season now depends on Donovan Mitchell, and all eyes will be on him to step up.