Cavs’ Darius Garland Upgraded to Questionable for Celtics

Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland has been upgraded to questionable for Wednesday’s home game vs. the Celtics after going through practice on Tuesday.

Garland has missed all but the first half of the first game, a road loss to the Raptors. The Cavs (5-1) have won five straight since, including a victory in Boston.

Garland, who suffered a laceration on his left eyelid, had been fitted for protective goggles last week — and coach J.B. Bickerstaff indicated Garland will likely to wear them in a game.

“We’ll see (Wednesday),” Bickerstaff said of the possibility of Garland’s return, via Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. “He went through everything. It’s how he’s feeling tomorrow and what the swelling looks like. But he was good today. He’s done enough to go ahead and play if he’s gonna play.”

Cavs’ Darius Garland officially listed as questionable for Wednesday’s home game vs Celtics.

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) November 1, 2022

Garland has stayed connected by attending games and cheering on his teammates — sometimes wildly — from the sideline. He has been sporting sunglasses while on the bench.

“He’s watching with an eye on what’s happening and why it’s happening, so when he does come back he understands and he’s participating even though he’s not out on the floor,” Bickerstaff said, via Fedor.

Garland, 21, averaged career-highs of 21.7 points and 8.6 assists in 68 games last season, making his first All-Star appearance. He was originally drafted by the Cavs with the No. 5 overall pick in 2019.