Cavaliers’ Garland on track to debut Wednesday against 76ers
cavaliers-darius-garland-season-debut-wednesday
All-Star guard Darius Garland is expected to play his first game of the season Wednesday night when the Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Philadelphia 76ers, according to ESPN.
Garland has been sidelined since undergoing surgery in June to repair an injury to his left big toe, an issue that first flared last March and worsened during the opening round of last year’s playoffs. Over the past few weeks, the 25-year-old ramped up his workload by joining the Cavs’ G League affiliate for training camp and participating in full practices with the NBA club.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson has repeatedly said Garland was “close” to returning, and team sources now believe the two-time All-Star will be cleared for Wednesday’s matchup.
Garland averaged 20.6 points and 6.7 assists while shooting 47% in 75 games last season. Cleveland enters Tuesday ranked 26th in offensive efficiency and could benefit immediately from his playmaking.
The Cavaliers have opened the campaign 4-3 despite a depleted rotation. Starting wing Max Strus is expected to miss a significant portion of the season after August foot surgery, and center Jarrett Allen continues to play through a fractured finger.
Source: ESPN
