The Cavaliers have gotten off to a slow start to begin the 2023-24 season. And now, they'll be without one of their star talents for some time.
Point guard Darius Garland is slated to miss some extended time with a fractured jaw, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania. Garland reportedly sustained the injury when he collided with Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis during Thursday's game.
Garland, the fifth overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, has become the team's top offensive facilitator over the past three seasons, having averaged at least 20.7 points and 5.9 assists each campaign. He, like the Cavs, had gotten off to a somewhat slow start, missing four games early in the season with a hamstring strain and averaging only 17.2 points and 6.2 assists over his first six games played.
Cleveland, coming off an impressive 51-31 campaign, came into the season with lofty expectations with a roster featuring star talents like Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. The team has battled constant injuries to those players, however, with Mobley and Max Strus the only two to have started more than 20 games.
At 13-12, the Cavaliers find themselves sitting in ninth in the Eastern Conference.
How long will Garland be out? Here's what you need to know.
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What is Darius Garland's injury?
Charania reported that Garland is out with a fractured jaw.
Garland sustained the injury with 11:25 to go in the third quarter of Thursday's game against the Celtics, when he collided with Porzingis trying to drive toward the basket.
Darius Garland fractured his jaw on this collision with Kristaps Porzingis https://t.co/HXaGZOuvKq pic.twitter.com/CTXNxjX3rf
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) December 15, 2023
Through 20 games this season, Garland is averaging 20.7 points and 5.9 assists while shooting 47.0 percent from the field and 34.6 percent from 3.
How long will Garland be out?
Charania reported Garland is expected to be out for several weeks.
Garland wound up playing 36 minutes during Thursday's game, returning to the contest after he sustained the injury. He scored the final basket of the game, making a 3-pointer with 14.1 seconds left.
Cavaliers upcoming schedule 2023-24
Here's a look at Cleveland's upcoming schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Dec. 16 | vs. Hawks | 7:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Dec. 18 | vs. Rockets | 7 p.m. | — |
| Dec. 20 | vs. Jazz | 7 p.m. | — |
| Dec. 21 | vs. Pelicans | 7:30 p.m. | — |
| Dec. 23 | at Bulls | 8 p.m. | — |
Darius Garland career stats
- 18.7 points per game
- 6.7 assists per game
- 2.6 rebounds per game
- 1.2 steals per game
- 0.1 blocks per game
- 3.1 turnovers per game
- 45.0 percent field goal shooting
- 38.4 percent 3-point shooting
- 86.7 percent free throw shooting
