Cavs Reportedly Optimistic Garland, Mobley, Hunter Will Play in Game 3 Amid Injuries

After dropping the first two games of their second-round series against the Indiana Pacers, the Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly optimistic that a few key players will be on the court for Game 3.

Per The Athletic's Joe Vardon, "there is optimism" that Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De'Andre Hunter will be back on the court on Friday after managing injuries early in the series.

Garland has not played since Game 2 of the first round and is dealing with a sprained big toe. Garland, who made his second All-Star appearance this year, averaged 24 points and seven assists across the two postseason games he appeared in this year.

Mobley, who won NBA Defensive Player of the Year, played in Game 1 but suffered a sprained ankle that forced him to miss Game 2 earlier this week. Mobley is averaging 17 points, 7.2 rebounds and one steal per game this postseason.

Hunter, a trade addition from the Atlanta Hawks, did not play in Game 2 because of a sprained thumb. He's putting up 12.6 points per game as one of Cleveland's key role players.

According to Vardon, all three players "touched the ball" during a walk-through on Thursday, but they will still be listed as "questionable" on the Game 3 injury report.

“They participated in the walk-through and we’re hoping for the best,” head coach Kenny Atkinson said. “I think it’s frustrating for all of us, right? It’s no indictment on anybody, it’s just, injuries are a tough thing and you don’t really know unless you experience it yourself.”

The Pacers ran away with Game 1, 121-112, on Sunday before using a late-game run and a game-winning three from Tyrese Haliburton to steal Game 2 on Tuesday. Now, one of the top teams in the NBA heading into the playoffs must overcome a 2-0 deficit to move on to the conference finals.

Having Garland, Mobley and Hunter back on the court would make that challenge much easier.