Jaylon Tyson’s breakout lifts Cavaliers while injury updates dominate Central Division
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CLEVELAND — Second-year forward Jaylon Tyson delivered a career-high 39 points and set up the game-winning basket in Friday’s 118-116 victory at Philadelphia, giving the Cavaliers hope they have finally solved their long-standing need at small forward.
“I feel like when you get into the NBA, you have to find your niche,” Tyson said after the win. “Tonight, Philadelphia tried to take Donovan (Mitchell) out of the game, so Donovan told me to be ‘California Jaylon.’ That meant go get a bucket.”
Selected 20th overall in the 2024 draft after a high-scoring collegiate season at California, the 6-foot-7 wing averaged 3.6 points on 43 percent shooting as a rookie. Through the first part of his sophomore campaign he is up to 13.4 points per game while hitting 52.4 percent from the field and 47.5 percent beyond the arc, prompting Mitchell to lobby for Tyson as a Most Improved Player candidate.
Garland, Merrill awaiting test results
The Cavaliers could be without two rotation players after both Darius Garland and Sam Merrill were injured in Wednesday’s loss at Philadelphia. Garland, the club’s second-leading scorer, is dealing with soreness in his right big toe — the opposite foot from the toe that required offseason surgery. Merrill sprained his right hand, the same hand that cost him roughly a month earlier this season, but team officials told reporters the current bruising and swelling are less severe. Additional evaluations are scheduled for the weekend.
Isaiah Jackson details concussion ordeal
Pacers center Isaiah Jackson returned to action Saturday after missing nearly four weeks with a concussion. He told The Indianapolis Star that symptoms included severe headaches, foggy thoughts, and sensitivity to light and sound. “I couldn’t even be around [people]. I was literally just in my room — the blinds were shut, sunglasses on. It was bad,” Jackson said.
Giddey upgraded to doubtful
Bulls guard Josh Giddey, sidelined since Dec. 29 by a strained left hamstring, has been moved from “out” to “doubtful” for Sunday’s home game against Brooklyn. While he is not expected to play, the change suggests the 21-year-old is nearing a return.
The Cavaliers continue a three-game trip Monday in New York, the Pacers host Detroit the same night, and Chicago welcomes the Nets on Sunday.
Source: Hoops Rumors
