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Sunday night’s matchup at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse has a clear answer for fans wondering if Darius Garland will play: he’s active. The Cavaliers welcome the Los Angeles Clippers with Garland back in the lineup, and a number of roster absences on both sides will shape how the game unfolds.
Garland active for Cavs, will start vs. Clippers
Darius Garland is listed as available and expected to take the floor for Cleveland. This marks the first game he’s not on the injury list since early November.
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Garland made his return on Friday after missing time with a reaggravated left great toe. In the Cavs’ recent win over Indiana, his presence helped restore half-court flow and ball movement.
He did report a brief stinger late in that game but left the arena without new restrictions. The team plans to rely on his ball-handling and playmaking against Tyronn Lue’s unit.
How Garland recovered and what the team did
Treatment focus and rehab routine
- Targeted treatment to regain toe flexibility and range of motion.
- Progressive on-court work to rebuild confidence in game situations.
- Ongoing monitoring after contact or soreness in practices and games.
The Cavs emphasized recovery sessions and steady minutes before clearing Garland to return. That approach aimed to reduce risk of a setback.
Current Cleveland lineup absences
- Jarrett Allen: OUT — right third finger strain.
- Lonzo Ball: OUT — managing a left knee issue.
- Sam Merrill: OUT — sprained right hand.
- Craig Porter Jr.: OUT — left hamstring strain.
- Max Strus: OUT — recovering from left foot surgery (Jones fracture).
With those players sidelined, Cleveland will lean on rotation players and Garland’s playmaking to maintain offensive rhythm.
Clippers’ injury picture and key return
The Clippers will be boosted by the return of Kawhi Leonard, who is coming back after a 10-game absence. His presence immediately changes matchups for both teams.
- Bogdan Bogdanovic: QUESTIONABLE — left hip soreness.
- Bradley Beal: OUT — left hip fracture.
- Derrick Jones Jr.: OUT — right knee sprain.
- Jordan Miller: OUT — left hamstring management.
The Clippers still have depth questions, but Leonard’s availability is the headline for their rotation tonight.
Matchup implications and in-game angles to watch
- How Cleveland compensates for the absence of its rim protector and primary big men.
- Whether Garland can sustain the ball movement that looked better against Indiana.
- Kawhi’s minutes and health as a game-changer on both ends for LA.
- Which reserves step up with multiple starters out on each roster.
