CLEVELAND (AP) — Darius Garland’s nagging, delicate back injury is threatening to sabotage Cleveland’s season.
So is some rotten luck.
The All-Star point guard missed his third straight game — and eighth overall — on Monday with a bone bruise that needs rest in order to heal, and time isn’t an ally of the Cavs, who are trying to hold onto a playoff spot in the tight Eastern Conference while missing their top five guards.
“This is unreal,” general manager Mike Gansey said of the team’s wave of backcourt injuries. “We didn’t envision doomsday, so to speak.”
On Monday against Minnesota, the Cavs started a guard who began the season in the G League, and played another who signed a 10-day contract last week.
Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff said Garland, who has blossomed into one of the NBA’s best guards in his third season, took part in the Cavs’ light practice on Tuesday. It’s still not known if he’ll play Wednesday against Charlotte.
The Cavs, who are 36-25 and…