Cavs Add Evan Mobley, De’Andre Hunter To List Of Walking Wounded Ahead Of Game 2

May 5, 2025

The Cavaliers remained relatively free of injuries to key players during the regular season. But now, it seems, pain has set in, and at the worst possible time.

Not only were the Cavs missing Darius Garland for Game 1 of their second-round home loss to the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, but two others got hurt. And the news regarding Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter is equally concerning.

Garland, of course, missed his third straight game with a left big toe sprain. His status moving forward has been characterized as day-to-day.

But it gets worse.

Coach Kenny Atkinson told reporters that Hunter suffered a dislocated thumb on his shooting hand … and Mobley will be questionable because of an ankle injury, also suffered in Game 1. The status of both is up in the air for Game 2 on Tuesday at Rocket Arena.

Not exactly the type of news Cavaliers Nation wants to hear, given their team is in a 1-0 series hole. And even with the generally staunch defense of Mobley and Hunter, the Cavs had issues slowing down Indiana’s high-octane attack.

“Obviously a real concern,” was how Atkinson characterized the situation.

On the bright side for the Cavs, Mobley and Hunter both stayed in the game after suffering their injuries, perhaps meaning they can give it a go in Game 2. But that’s nothing more than speculation.

Mobley at least downplayed the injury immediately after the game.

“I just came down wrong a little bit,” he said. “Right now, it’s all good. See how it feels (Monday). Get some treatment and move forward from there.”

Atkinson was a little more direct.

“We gotta check our health status,” he said after the loss. “That’s going to be big. A few guys got banged up. It’s the playoffs. They were super physical. We’ve just got to get our recovery and get ready for Game 2.”

As for Garland and the most important big toe in Northeast Ohio basketball, Atkinson could offer no updates.

“It is what it is. He wasn’t ready. It’s a day-to-day thing,” Atkinson said. “I know he’s desperate to play. We need his speed and shot-making. It’s a tough one.”