UPDATE: The Cleveland Cavaliers are bracing for the 2025-26 NBA season with key injuries to two starters, All-Star point guard Darius Garland and swingman Max Strus, who are both recovering from offseason surgeries. The regular season kicks off on October 22, 2025, and both players are expected to miss significant time.
New reports confirm that Garland, who underwent surgery in June to repair a turf toe injury sustained during last season’s playoffs, has been back on the court for about a month. However, he is still likely to miss the start of the season. “Everything is good,” Garland stated during the Cavs’ media day. “Summer went really well. Rehab has been going really well. I’m back on the court, moving around, ramping up for the season.” Despite his optimism, Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman indicated that Garland’s conditioning will take time to fully recover.
Meanwhile, Strus is recovering from a Jones fracture he suffered during an offseason workout, describing the incident as “unfortunate.” Currently five weeks post-surgery, Strus is optimistic, stating, “I’m in a good spot right now, and everything seems to be healing.” He will undergo a six-week checkup next week and remains sidelined for at least a couple more months.
The absence of these two perimeter players puts pressure on rising star Evan Mobley, who has been preparing for a larger role in the offense. “I spent the summer working on handling the ball more,” Mobley confirmed, expressing excitement about the opportunity.
Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs’ star player, has also felt the weight of these injuries. “A switch flipped in my head when I heard about Strus’ injury,” Mitchell said, emphasizing the need for him to step up as the team aims for a deep playoff run. Coming off a record-breaking 64 wins last season, the Cavaliers are determined to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2018, and notably, the first time without LeBron James on the roster.
Mitchell is focused on being in peak condition as the season approaches. “I just want to be in the best shape possible and ready to go,” he remarked. “If adjustments are needed, we can make them, but I’d rather be prepared now than playing catch-up later.” With both Garland and Strus out, the Cavs face an uphill battle right from the start.
As the countdown to the season opener continues, all eyes will be on the Cavaliers’ recovery progress and how they adapt to these unexpected challenges. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this impacts the team’s dynamics and their quest for the championship.
