Cavs' starting lineup projected to look different with Darius Garland injured

The Cleveland Cavaliers open their season against the New York Knicks on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET, but their starting lineup will look a bit different from last season. 

Cleveland will be without two of its regular starters from the 2024-25 campaign. Darius Garland underwent surgery on his left great toe in June and has been ruled out for opening night, while Max Strus — who started 37 of his 50 regular-season appearances last season — is expected to miss significant time as he recovers from a fractured left foot. 

While Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen are all healthy, the final two starting spots will represent a change for Cleveland. 

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Cleveland's projected starting lineup 

According to Chris Fedor of The Plain Dealer, Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson used last Tuesday's preseason finale against Detroit to “try to simulate a regular game as much as possible.” It wouldn't be surprising if Cleveland utilized the same starting five, which featured Mitchell, Sam Merrill, De’Andre Hunter, Mobley and Allen. 

However, Hunter is listed as questionable for the regular-season opener after sustaining a right knee contusion in the team's preseason finale. If the Virginia product is unable to suit up, Dean Wade and Jaylon Tyson are candidates to step into the fifth starting spot. 

The Cavaliers acquired Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks ahead of February's trade deadline last season, and he largely provided a spark off the bench, averaging 14.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists across 25.1 minutes per game in 27 regular-season appearances. 

Meanwhile, Merrill has been a consistent contributor off Cleveland's bench for the past two seasons, and he landed a four-year, $38 million deal with the club this offseason. 

When fully healthy, Garland is a lock to replace Merrill in the starting five, though Hunter's production early on could help him retain a starting role once Strus returns. 

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