CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 26: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on January 26, 2022 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images

Darius Garland Ruled out for Cavaliers vs. Pelicans with Back Injury

Erin WalshFeb 1, 2022

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland has been ruled out for Monday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans due to lower back soreness, according to team sideline reporter Serena Winters.

Garland hasn't missed a game since a Jan. 2 win over the Indiana Pacers.

According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, Garland is considering day-to-day and could also miss Wednesday's game against the Houston Rockets.

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Garland initially injured his back around three weeks ago and hurt it again during the second half of Wednesday's win over the Milwaukee Bucks. According to Fedor, the 2019 fifth overall pick has insisted his back is "fine."

According to Fedor, forward Cedi Osman will get the start on Monday in place of Garland. The team could also use Rajon Rondo to carry the load.

Garland is in the midst of his best season in the NBA, averaging a career-high 19.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game while shooting 46.7 percent from the floor and 36.9 percent from deep.

The Cavs entered Monday fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 30-20 record. They can't afford to have Garland miss too many games or else they could fall outside of a top-six seed.