Cavaliers All-Star Set To Return

The Cleveland Cavaliers are off to a 5-1 start this season, winning five straight games. And they're doing it all without one of their All-Stars. In the first half of their first game of the season, point guard Darius Garland suffered a lacerated eyelid and hasn't played a game since. 

According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, however, Garland's return could be as soon as 24 hours away. He went through a full practice on Tuesday, and, Fedor says, could return as soon as Wednesday. Currently, he's listed as questionable for that game. 

Darius Garland getting some work in post-practice. #Cavs @basketbllnews pic.twitter.com/L6Tl8vLV5a

— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) November 1, 2022

“We’ll see tomorrow,” Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff said when asked about Garland's status for Wednesday's game against the Boston Celtics. “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.”

The 22-year-old has tested out some protective goggles during practice but apparently is not a fan, saying they impact his peripheral vision. 

In the meantime, Garland has been a vocal and animated cheerleader from the bench for the Cavs' five-game winning streak without him, endearing himself even more to observers. 

"It’s his spirit,” Bickerstaff said of Garland’s bench theatrics. “The guys love it, he loves his teammates, he’s entertaining. My kids talk about it all the time, so they enjoy it.”

Photo: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports