Cavs star ruled out for game against Miami Heat

Darius Garland is out tonight.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been riddled with injuries throughout the month of January. Add Darius Garland to the list as he has been ruled OUT for tonight’s game against the Miami Heat. The Cavs have deemed Garland out for “rest” reasons.

Garland is averaging 21.7 points and 6.8 assists this season as the Cavaliers lead floor general. He’s having one of the most efficient years in the NBA, bordering on the 50/40/90 club. Losing Garland will be a massive blow to Cleveland’s usual operations.

Caris LeVert, Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade are also out tonight. Sam Merrill is questionable with an illness. Injuries have gutted the Cavaliers’ rotation and they will rely heavily on the deep reserves to step up.

Ty Jerome is one player to watch. He’s delivered a boost of scoring off the bench all season and this is the type of game he’ll be needed the most. Georges Niang will also be asked to bring some three-point shooting with the second unit. From there, rookie Jaylon Tyson could see another opportunity to prove himself while Tristan Thompson, Craig Porter and even Emoni Bates might see minutes tonight.

Above all else, the starting lineup will be asked to carry a heavier load. Donovan Mitchell has been known to put the team on his back in previous seasons. But now, Evan Mobley is more equipped to handle some of the offensive responsibilities. Max Stus is capable of getting hot from deep and Jarrett Allen can be trusted to anchor both ends of the floor. Now is the time for each of those players to step up.