The Cleveland Cavaliers have had an up and down start to the 2025-26 NBA season, currently sitting at 3- 2 after Wednesday night’s road loss to the Boston Celtics. The Cavs knew they’d have a bit of a storm to weather coming out of the gate, as both Darius Garland and Max Strus are out for the opening chunk of the season due to various injuries.
However, on Thursday, the team got some positive news on the Garland front and when he may potentially return.
Garland is reportedly a full go at practice, per Spencer Davies of ClutchPoints, “scrimmaging and everything,” per a league source.
“Should Garland be held out for the team’s three-game homestand from Oct. 31 to Nov. 5, he will very likely make his return during a six-game homestand starting on Nov. 13. Garland continues to be in the later stages of his injury progression and has ramped up his activities behind the scenes to prepare for game action,” reported ClutchPonts’ Brett Siegel.
The Cavs would certainly love to have their starting point guard back in action as soon as possible, but only once he’s fully healthy, as injuries have been a defining trait of the former lottery pick’s career thus far.
An interesting start for the Cavs
David Reginek-Imagn Images
The Cavs seemed to have fully shaken off an opening night road dud vs the New York Knicks by winning three straight games, including two against playoff hopefuls in the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons, but those good vibes came crashing back down to Earth with Wednesday’s loss against the Celtics.
In that game, the Cavs were powerless on defense, and although they got the wrong end of the shooting variance stick in this one, it was still a letdown performance considering the momentum the team had been building.
Still, once Garland is back in the lineup, this Cavs lineup will have another dimension, allowing Donovan Mitchell to play off the ball more and giving them another elite shot creator.
The Cavs will next take the floor on Friday vs the Toronto Raptors.
