The Cleveland Cavaliers will play without their starting point guard Darius Garland when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 19, 2026. Garland continues to deal with a right great toe sprain that has kept him out of recent games.
Garland's Injury Timeline and Status
Team medical staff will recheck Garland's condition in seven to ten days. This timeline puts his possible return closer to the end of January. The Cavaliers officially list him as out with no change in status for this upcoming matchup.
The timing presents a significant challenge for Garland personally. He had recently returned from a hand contusion and was beginning to find his rhythm on the court. Earlier this month, he scored 22 points against Minnesota before the toe issue halted his progress.
Cleveland's Roster Challenges
The Cavaliers enter this game with a 23-19 record. Without Garland, the offensive burden falls heavily on Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell must handle most scoring and playmaking responsibilities for the team.
Additional injuries complicate matters further for Cleveland. Max Strus remains unavailable due to a foot injury. Dean Wade carries a day-to-day designation with knee issues, while Sam Merrill is also day-to-day with a hand problem. These absences shorten the rotation considerably and leave little flexibility for adjustments.
Thunder's Strong Form
Oklahoma City arrives with an impressive 34-7 record. They have established themselves as one of the league's most consistent teams this season. The Thunder boast a strong 14-4 road record and currently ride a four-game winning streak.
Their defense has been particularly effective recently, holding opponents under 109 points per game in recent outings. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads a group that controls game pace effectively and limits mistakes.
Game Implications
Without Garland's scoring ability and ball movement, Cleveland's offense becomes more predictable. This situation plays directly into Oklahoma City's defensive strengths. The Thunder's health and depth give them a clear advantage in this matchup.
From a fantasy basketball perspective, managers should leave Garland out of their lineups. Mitchell becomes the primary option for points and assists, while Evan Mobley presents a stronger rebounding play given Cleveland's thin roster situation.
Betting markets favor Oklahoma City despite Cleveland's solid 14-10 home record. The Cavaliers can certainly compete, but the Thunder's overall advantages make them the preferred choice.
