The Cleveland Cavaliers are in unfamiliar territory after losing the opening game for the first time in the 2025 NBA playoffs.
Now, they’re dealing with fitness concerns, as Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson said he might miss up to three key players in Game 2.
Darius Garland has missed the last three playoff games due to a left toe injury. Evan Mobley hurt his ankle after landing awkwardly following a jumper in Game 1. De’Andre Hunter drove to the rim before falling hard to the floor and injuring his thumb after Bennedict Mathurin blocked his shot.
Mobley finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and two steals on 9-for-13 shooting from the field. Hunter came off the bench and recorded 11 points and four rebounds on 4-for-8 shooting from the field.
Cleveland Cavaliers News: Kenny Atkinson calls out the refs in Game 1
Kenny Atkinson is not happy with the additions of Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ injury report after Game 1, He felt the referees could’ve done better in controlling the game, as the Indiana Pacers “passed a line of physicality.”
“But the fact of the matter, that’s on the referees. Maybe they weren’t missed calls, and maybe I’m misinterpreting the rules, but I have a problem when we got two of our best players doubtful for tomorrow’s game. It’s hard for me to get my head around that,” Atkinson said via Field Level Media.
Sam Merrill will continue to start games for Cleveland if Darius Garland remains sidelined. Dean Wade, Isaac Okoro, and Ty Jerome will receive more playing time if Mobley and Hunter sit out Game 2.
