Cavs have 'real concern' on status of Mobley, Hunter for Game 2 - ESPN

CLEVELAND — Already trailing the series 1-0, the Cleveland Cavaliers are now facing significant injury questions heading into Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Indiana Pacers.

Darius Garland (toe), Evan Mobley (ankle) and De'Andre Hunter (thumb) will all be listed as questionable entering Game 2 on Tuesday night. Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said there is «real concern» about the availability for the latter two and also used the word doubtful when addressing their status after practice on Monday.

Both Mobley and Hunter were injured during back-to-back possessions in the fourth quarter of Game 1. Mobley landed awkwardly after knocking down a two-point jumper in the paint with 8:10 remaining, planting his left foot near the foot of Pacers center Myles Turner before Mobley fell to the floor. He was walking around with a limp in the Cavaliers locker room after the game.

On the next Cavs offensive possession, Hunter went driving toward the rim before being blocked by Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin with 7:44 remaining. Hunter fell hard to the floor and the Cavs called timeout as Atkinson challenged the call, but the officiating crew determined there was no foul on the play and call on the floor stood.

Atkinson took issues with no-calls from the officials on either play, which he said crossed the line of physical play.

«I don't think they were dirty plays, but I think it passed a line of physicality,» Atkinson said after practice on Monday. «That line we've kind of been talking about where it became excessive. „I don't think this is on Indiana, I have so much respect for how they play. But the fact of the matter, that's on the referees. Maybe they weren't missed calls and maybe I'm misinterpreting the rules,