Cavs’ Struggles in Power Rankings Amid Garland’s Setback
The Cleveland Cavaliers sit at a respectable 9-5 after their first 14 games of the season, yet there’s a palpable sense of unfulfilled potential. Much of this stems from the limited contributions of Darius Garland, who has been sidelined for most of the campaign, appearing in only three games due to a toe injury. This situation has prompted NBA.com’s John Schuhmann to drop the Cavs to No. 6 in his latest power rankings, a decline from their previous position.
Garland’s Injury Impact
In a frustrating twist for the Cavaliers, Garland has re-aggravated the same toe that required surgery over the summer. Fortunately, he is not expected to miss significant time, but his absence has stymied the team’s ability to find its rhythm on the court. Schuhmann notes, “The Cavs remain in the top four in the East, but they still haven’t found their stride.” With four games left on a demanding six-game homestand, the Cavs are eager to capitalize on their home advantage, facing the Milwaukee Bucks again after a narrow victory in their last encounter.
Mitchell Steps Up
Garland’s injury has necessitated adjustments within the Cavs’ rotation, thrusting players into more prominent roles. Notably, All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell has stepped up significantly in Garland’s absence. With Garland limited, Mitchell is averaging 33.9 minutes per game—an increase of 2.5 minutes over his previous season average. This uptick has translated into impactful performance; the Cavaliers are 18.1 points per 100 possessions better with him on the floor, showcasing his critical role in the team’s success.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers face a formidable stretch of games featuring top-tier talent: Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets, Pascal Siakam and the Indiana Pacers, and James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers. All these matchups will take place at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, providing the Cavs with a prime opportunity to regain momentum and potentially improve their standing in the power rankings.
As the team navigates this challenging period, the hope remains that Garland will return healthy and ready to contribute when it matters most, especially as they eye the playoff picture later in the season. The Cavaliers are not merely focused on surviving until Garland’s return; they are poised to make a statement in the league.
