Cavaliers Announce Darius Garland News After Leaving 76ers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Jan 14, 2026 9:20 PM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers have struggled to replicate their success from last year during the 2025–26 NBA season as the All-Star break approaches.

The team has dealt with multiple injuries, but there is reason for optimism that the current roster can still make a run in the Eastern Conference, especially with its elite backcourt of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.

Garland has only appeared in 25 games, frequently dealing with injury setbacks to his big left toe that have limited his availability. He is averaging 17.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 0.8 steals while shooting 44.5% from the field and 35.7% from beyond the arc.

His ability to control the pace of the offense and create scoring opportunities for teammates makes him one of the league’s most effective floor generals when healthy.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) © David Richard-Imagn Images

During Wednesday’s road matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers, Garland put together a strong performance across 23 minutes of action, collecting 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting along with seven assists, three rebounds and one steal, making his impact felt on both ends of the floor.

However, his momentum came to a halt with 4:07 remaining in the third quarter when he took a hard fall while going after a loose ball.

He headed back to the locker room, and moments later the Cavaliers announced he had suffered a right foot injury and would not return (h/t Tom Wither, Associated Press).

Cavs say Darius Garland (right foot) will not return.
— Tom Withers (@twithersCLE) January 15, 2026

Fortunately, it appears he did not reaggravate the left foot that underwent surgery this past offseason, but his season has nonetheless continued to be plagued by injury setbacks.

Garland’s journey in Cleveland began when he was selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Now in his seventh season, the 26-year-old has grown into one of the franchise’s best players, earning two All-Star selections and establishing himself as a dynamic playmaker capable of elevating the offense.

In 2022, the Cavaliers rewarded his rise with a five-year, $193 million rookie max extension, a deal that underscored his value as the long-term leader of the backcourt.

Despite the injuries that have limited him this season, Garland remains central to Cleveland’s pursuit of an NBA championship.

His ability to orchestrate the offense and complement Mitchell is critical to the team’s success, and the Cavaliers’ hopes of making a deep run hinge on his health and availability.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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