Why Darius Garland isn't playing tonight for Cavaliers vs. Pistons with potential return date

The Cleveland Cavaliers have yet to be at full strength this season. 

For the past three outings, the franchise has been without its two-time All-Star point guard Darius Garland, who’s dealing with a toe injury that limited him during last year’s postseason. 

Unsurprisingly, Garland will extend his absence to four games when the Cavaliers face the Detroit Pistons on Monday night. 

Why Darius Garland isn't playing vs. the Pistons tonight

In June, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Garland would miss four to five months to rehab his toe injury, making it impossible for him to be 100% by the start of the 2025-26 season. 

However, last Friday, ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel provided the Cavaliers with a positive update on Garland’s status that included a potential return date. 

“All-Star point guard Darius Garland is targeting a potential return from his left big toe surgery as early as the first week of November,” Siegel wrote. 

“While Garland will be ready to go whenever the Cleveland Cavaliers' medical staff gives him the green light, the organization is being cautious with how soon he returns to the court, resulting in no clear set date.”

“Should Garland be held out for the team's three-game homestand from Oct. 31 to Nov. 5, he will very likely make his return during a six-game homestand starting on Nov. 13.”

The Cavaliers boast a 2-1 record through three games and will continue to rely heavily on Donovan Mitchell (who’s averaging 30.0 points per game) while Garland nurses his lower-body setback.

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