The Cleveland Cavaliers may regain three regulars when they host the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night. Guard Darius Garland (left toe surgery), center Jarrett Allen (finger), and guard Sam Merrill (hip) were all moved to questionable on the NBA’s official injury report released Tuesday evening.
Interim coach Kenny Atkinson told reporters the club will decide after Wednesday’s shoot-around whether Garland, 24, can return. “He is really close. Let’s see what tomorrow morning looks like,” Atkinson said, according to Cleveland.com.
Atkinson added that if Garland is cleared, the staff plans a moderate minutes restriction: “It won’t be 12 and it won’t be 32. Something in the middle. Communicate, read the body, build back.”
Garland averaged 20.6 points and 6.7 assists while shooting 47 percent last season before undergoing toe surgery in June. Cleveland has shuffled lineups through the first seven games—featuring players such as Merrill, Tyson, DeAndre Hunter and Larry Nance Jr.—and enters Wednesday 4-3.
If Garland is held out against Philadelphia, the team views Friday’s road game in Washington as the next likely target date.
Source: Hoops Wire
