Good news, the Cavaliers get important positive injury updates ahead of the pivotal third game

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Cavaliers received a significant update on the potential status of Dalius Garland, Evan Mobley and DeAndre Hunter as they will next play a close game against the Pacers. The Cleveland Cavaliers enter the 2025 NBA playoffs, perhaps their best chance to compete for the championship in the non-LeBron James era, with the second most regular season wins in team history (64-18) and showing excellent chemistry. The injury and the collapse of the second game threatened the end of their otherwise hopeful season and also brought more pain to the city’s long-standing unique sports fans. But perhaps all hope has not yet been shattered. The Cavaliers are gradually recovering from health.

or at least it seems. Dalius Garland, Evan Mobri and DeAndre Hunter did not play in the Cavaliers’ 119-120 loss to the Pacers on Tuesday, but they participated in Friday morning shooting practice, according to ESPN’s Jamal Collier. Their appearance is doubtful in the injury report of the third game between the Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers tonight. If these three key members of the Cavaliers can be approved to participate in this winning game, the situation in the Eastern Conference semifinals may still change.

Dallius Garland, Evan Mobri and DeAndre Hunter all participated in the Cavaliers' shooting training in Indiana this morning.

The appearances of the three players tonight are doubtful as the Cavaliers trail the Pacers 0-2 in the series.

What did these players bring to the Cavaliers?

Garland missed the last four games with a big toe sprain. While on the field, he provided Donovan Mitchell with a crucial running partner in the backcourt. Mitchell couldn't bear such a heavy offensive burden as he did in the second game. This state is unsustainable and does not meet the expectations of head coach Kenny Atkinson for the team. Garland’s potential return could add a key balance to Cleveland’s game plan.

However, if the top seed's defensive core cannot play, they still face restrictions. Mobley broke the ankle sprained after stepping on Miles Turner in Game 1. He can effectively defend multiple positions and also provide critical scoring opportunities. Under Atkinson, he showed his best form, won the Defensive Player of the Year Award and scored a career-high 18.5 points with a 37.0% three-point shooting percentage. His importance cannot be overstated.

The light of these two All-Stars will overshadow Hunter, but we must remember that the Cavaliers see this offensive and defensive forward as a potential key link in the championship puzzle. They reached a deal with the Atlanta Hawks before the trade deadline and got Hunter, meeting the Cavaliers’ demand for a potential playoff terminator. Hunter's defense and career 37.3% three-point shooting percentage can help the Cavaliers keep up with the Pacers' strong offense while also effectively curbing them.

So, if you don't know, these three players are an indispensable part of the Cavaliers' grand blueprint. Unless Cleveland wins at Gainbridge Arena on Friday, these big ambitions are unlikely to come true this year, and to do that, the team will need a lot of injury luck. The

match will begin at 7:30 pm ET.