Cavaliers vs Pacers injury update: Will Darius Garland, De’Andre Hunter, Evan Mobley play?

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The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing a steep climb if they’re to emerge from their 2025 NBA playoffs series against the Indiana Pacers, but the Eastern Conference’s top-seeded team could be a little less short-handed when the matchup shifts to Indianapolis for Game 3 on Friday night.

The Cavaliers are down 0-2 to the Pacers after back-to-back losses in Cleveland to start the conference semifinals and played their 120-119 Game 2 loss without Darius Garland, De’Andre Hunter and Evan Mobley due to injury. Hunter (thumb) and Mobley (ankle) got hurt in Game 1. Garland hasn’t played yet during this series. They’re each still listed as questionable on the Cavaliers’ Game 3 injury report.

Here’s the latest injury updates on the Cavaliers’ players ahead of their pivotal Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse Friday night:

ANALYSIS: 2025 NBA playoffs have been defined by massive comebacks. How are they happening?

Cavaliers vs. Pacers Game 3 injury update: Cleveland trio could return

The Cleveland Cavaliers got some positive news Friday in the hours leading into Game 3.

Injured point guard Darius Garland (toe), forward De’Andre Hunter (thumb) and forward Evan Mobley (ankle) were all seen shooting on the court at morning shootaround in Indianapolis, according to the Akron Beacon-Journal. There won’t be an official update on their status for Game 3 until after pregame warm ups closer to Friday’s 7:30 p.m. ET tip, but ESPN’s Shams Charania said on “The Pat McAfee Show” all three players are “aiming to play” given the desperate situation facing the Cavaliers.

Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson previously indicated all three players also took part in the team’s shootaround on Thursday, but did not offer a definitive answer on a potential return.

“They all got some reps up, but we didn’t do anything live. They kind of participated in the walk through, and [we’re] hoping for the best,” said Atkinson.

Darius Garland injury update

Garland has missed four-straight playoff games after re-aggravating a toe injury during the Cavaliers’ first-round win over the Miami Heat. The All-Star point guard was spotted jogging on a treadmill during shootaround ahead of Game 2, but did not play. He is listed as questionable on the Cavaliers’ injury report ahead of Game 3.

De’Andre Hunter injury update

De’Andre Hunter suffered a sprained right thumb during a hard fall in Game 1 after his shot got blocked by the Pacers’ Bennedict Mathurin. Hunter indicated after Game 1 that he wouldn’t miss any action but ultimately did not play in Game 2.

Evan Mobley injury update

The Cavaliers’ All-Star big man suffered a sprained left ankle in Game 1 when he landed awkwardly after attempting a hook shot and stepping on the foot of Pacers’ big man Myles Turner. Charania said his availability on Friday is “the biggest question.”

How to watch Cavs vs. Pacers Game 3: TV, live streaming for NBA playoffs

• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis)
• TV: ESPN
• Stream: Fubo

Watch Cavs-Pacers Game 3 with Fubo

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