For the first time in almost six weeks, the Cleveland Cavaliers are virtually finished.
Darius Garland, the point guard who broke his jaw in Boston on December 14, is expected to play against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.
Garland’s comeback is another boost for the Cavaliers, who, despite missing the 24-year-old and forward Evan Mobley (knee surgery) for nearly two months, have played their best basketball this season.
The Cavs went 14-4 without two starters and have won 10 of 11 to pull within 2 1/2 games of Milwaukee for the Eastern Conference’s second-best record. Mobley returned to action on Monday night, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers.
Cleveland has gone 15-4 since Dec. 16, the day after announcing that Garland and Mobley would be out indefinitely.
“They put us over the hump in terms of talent,” forward Georges Niang said following the shootaround. “Those guys are crucial to our success. Yes, we survived without them, but we’re thrilled to have them back.” Garland, now in his fifth season, averaged 20.7 points and 5.9 assists in 20 games before being injured.
Garland shattered his jaw on what appeared to be an ordinary play. Garland was driving to the basket when he collided with Celtics center Kristin Porzingis, resulting in a fracture that required surgery.
Garland had his jaw wired shut for a month, limiting him to a liquid diet. He’s been able to regain his strength and some of the weight he lost during his rehabilitation during the last two weeks.
Garland, like Mobley, will have limited minutes as he returns to the lineup. Following their game against the Pistons, the Cavs will play at Memphis on Thursday and at San Antonio on Saturday.
