Cavs’ Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, De’Andre Hunter Take Part In Shootaround

The Cavaliers may be getting back three players they could really use for Game 3 against the Pacers.

That would be none other than point guard Darius Garland, power forward Evan Mobley and reserve forward De’Andre Hunter. All three remain listed as “questionable” but took part in Friday’s morning shootaround in Indianapolis, as relayed by Pacers beat reporter Tony East.

Garland has missed four straight games with a sprained toe, while Mobley and Hunter missed Game 2 of the Cavs’ last-second heartbreaker of a loss. Mobley has a sprained ankle and Hunter has a dislocated thumb.

A source told Joe Vardon of The Athletic on Thursday that the Cavs are optimistic all three will play in Game 3 despite the injuries. Given that the Cavs are in a 2-0 hole, well, let’s just say they could use the boost.

“They participated in the walk-through and we’re hoping for the best,” Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson told reporters on Thursday. “I think it’s frustrating for all of us, right? It’s no indictment on anybody, it’s just, injuries are a tough thing and you don’t really know unless you experience it yourself.”

Vardon wrote: “League sources said, and Atkinson confirmed, that all three of the Cavs, Garland included, ‘desperately’ want to play. Not putting words in the coach’s mouth, because he didn’t say this part, but if the players are hungry to be on the court during these crucial games but are not even in uniform, they may be hurt worse than a ‘questionable’ designation suggests.”