Darius Garland, an All-Star point guard, participated in his first full-contact practice following a severe injury to his left eye. He could play Wednesday night when the Cleveland Cavaliers meet the Boston Celtics.
Since Gary Trent Jr. of Toronto unintentionally jabbed Garland in the eye during the first game of the season on October 19, Garland has missed five games. Garland has been struggling with extreme swelling after sustaining an eyelid cut.
The 22-year-old took part in Tuesday’s session with the Cavaliers and lingered on the court for additional drills with the assistant coaches from Cleveland.
Garland has been sitting on Cleveland’s bench wearing dark shades while absent from the court, and the Cavaliers have gone 5-0 without him.
Garland’s status for the Celtics game is uncertain, and J.B. His availability, according to Bickerstaff, is still in doubt.
Tomorrow will tell, he said. “He examined everything. It depends on how he feels the next day and how the swelling appears. He was good today, though. If he wants to play, he has already accomplished enough.
Garland has been eager to reunite with his teammates, but the Cavaliers have taken extra precautions due to the injury’s peaceful location.
Although Garland has attempted it, he wasn’t wearing his safety goggles for the post-practice session.
Bickerstaff has admired Garland’s dedication to supporting his teammates. Garland has been active throughout games even though he hasn’t played, which should ease the adjustment back into the team.
According to Bickerstaff, “He is keeping an eye on both what is happening and why it is happening.” So even if he isn’t on the floor, he participates when he eventually returns because he knows.
Due to Garland’s injury, the Cavaliers are currently shorthanded, and he cannot continue collaborating with newly acquired All-Star Donovan Mitchell. The latter has been outstanding in his first six games for Cleveland, playing the point, averaging 32.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 39 minutes.