Darius Garland will be absent from the Cleveland Cavaliers on opening night and for a lengthy stretch after that.
Garland's severe toe sprain during the NBA playoffs required an offseason surgery which placed him on the sidelines for months. Even as he nears health, he is far from prepared for NBA basketball. The Cavs are forced to prepare for a start to the year without Garland and Max Strus as both players face worrisome injury woes and will require long-term substitutes in the starting five.
In wake of Garland's injury, much more backcourt responsibility will be thrust upon Donovan Mitchell, leaving him with a need for a reliable partner.