Injuries to Darius Garland, guards threaten to wreck Cavs' season

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Darius Garland's nagging, delicate back injury is threatening to sabotage Cleveland's season.

So is some rotten luck.

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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.

Injured Cleveland Cavaliers guards Rajon Rondo, left, and Darius Garland cheer for teammates during the first half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Monday, Feb. 28, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

The Cavs, who are 36-25 and fifth in the East, have been tight-lipped about specifics on Garland's injury, which initially happened against Golden State on Jan. 9. The 22-year-old missed five games before the break, then returned for two. He has been kept out of three since the season resumed.

His participation in All-Star Weekend activities came with the team's blessing, but has raised questions about why the Cavs would risk letting their