Cavs’ Darius Garland Returning To Lineup

Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland has cleared health and safety protocols and is expected to play in Tuesday’s home game vs. the Grizzlies.

Garland was not among the names on the NBA’s official injury list Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. EST.

A league source told Hoops Wire that Garland should be good to go and Cavs power forward Kevin Love confirmed that Garland is available.

The Cavs (21-16) currently sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference.

Garland, 21, is 6-foot-1 and having an All-Star season in his third year. Fitting, given that this year’s All-Star Game is in Cleveland. Love, for one, said he believes Garland is an All-Star.

He has put together averages of 19.5 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 3.0 rebounds, shooting 48 percent from the field in 31 appearances. He has been the engine behind the Cavs’ pleasant surprise of a season.

Garland has a new veteran backup in Rajon Rondo, who just exited protocols himself. Rondo came over in a three-way trade with the Lakers and Knicks, but remains out as he works on conditioning. He should be available this weekend.

Also out for the Cavs vs. the Grizzlies: Cedi Osman (protocol), Isaac Okoro (elbow) and Tacko Fall (G League). Dylan Windler (knee) is listed as probable.

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies will feature Medina High product and center Jon Teske, who signed a 10-day contract with the team on Tuesday. He played 56 seconds of the Grizzlies’ win over the Nets on Monday, making him the first player from Medina County to ever appear in an NBA game.

This marks Memphis’ lone visit to Cleveland of the season.

Finally, you can read more about Rondo and coach J.B. Bickerstaff‘s thoughts on the new point guard at this link.