Clippers’ Darius Garland practicing, expected to be out until March

The Cavaliers are already past it. The Clippers will have to wait.

Darius Garland will not be ready when play resumes Thursday, as the point guard continues to work back from a toe injury following his recent trade to LA, according to Law Murray of The Athletic.

Garland is practicing on a limited basis while managing a right toe sprain that has sidelined him since Jan. 14. He is also still dealing with the surgically repaired left great toe that has lingered in the background.

The Clippers are taking the cautious route and do not want Garland on the floor until he is fully healthy.

Murray reports Garland is considered week-to-week, with his debut now more likely to come sometime in March.

Los Angeles acquired Garland earlier this month in a deal that sent James Harden to the Cavs. Garland’s season in Cleveland was uneven early but stabilized as the calendar flipped. In 26 starts, he averaged 18.0 points and 6.9 assists while shooting efficiently across the board.

In the meantime, the Clippers have leaned on a stopgap starting group featuring Kris Dunn handling the ball alongside Kawhi Leonard, Derrick Jones Jr., John Collins, and Brook Lopez.

The Clippers know what Garland brings. They just are not rushing it.