Cavaliers vs Pacers injury update: Will Darius Garland, De'Andre Hunter, Evan Mobley play?
The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing a steep climb if they're to emerge from their 2025 NBA playoffs series against the Indiana Pacers, but the Eastern Conference's top-seeded team is getting a number of reinforcements for Game 3.
The Cavaliers are down 0-2 to the Pacers after back-to-back losses in Cleveland to start the conference semifinals and played their 120-119 Game 2 loss without Darius Garland, De'Andre Hunter and Evan Mobley due to injury. Hunter (thumb) and Mobley (ankle) got hurt in Game 1. Garland hasn't played yet during this series. They were each still listed as questionable on the Cavaliers' Game 3 injury report.
Here's the latest injury updates on the Cavaliers' players ahead of their pivotal Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse Friday night:
Cavaliers vs. Pacers Game 3 injury update: Cleveland trio could return
The Cleveland Cavaliers got some positive news Friday.
Injured point guard Darius Garland (toe), forward De'Andre Hunter (thumb) and forward Evan Mobley (ankle) were all seen shooting on the court at morning shootaround in Indianapolis, according to the Akron Beacon-Journal. Garland and Mobley are in the starting lineup for Game 3 and Hunter is available off the bench and is expected to play.
Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson previously indicated all three players also took part in the team's shootaround on Thursday, but did not offer a definitive answer on a potential return.
"They all got some reps up, but we didn't do anything live. They kind of participated in the walk through, and [we're] hoping for the best," said Atkinson.
Darius Garland injury update
Garland has missed four straight playoff games after re-aggravating a toe injury during the Cavaliers' first-round win over the Miami Heat. The All-Star point guard was spotted jogging on a treadmill during shootaround ahead of Game 2, but did not play. He is listed as questionable on the Cavaliers' injury report ahead of Game 3.
De'Andre Hunter injury update
De'Andre Hunter suffered a sprained right thumb during a hard fall in Game 1 after his shot got blocked by the Pacers' Bennedict Mathurin. Hunter indicated after Game 1 that he wouldn't miss any action but ultimately did not play in Game 2.
Evan Mobley injury update
The Cavaliers' All-Star big man suffered a sprained left ankle in Game 1 when he landed awkwardly after attempting a hook shot and stepping on the foot of Pacers' big man Myles Turner.
How to watch Cavs vs. Pacers Game 3: TV, live streaming for NBA playoffs
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis)
- TV: ESPN
- Stream: Fubo
Watch Cavs-Pacers Game 3 with Fubo