Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star Darius Garland will miss multiple weeks after suffering a fractured jaw, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
Garland suffered the injury after colliding with Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis.
This is a big blow to the Cavaliers, who are only 13-12 on the season. After going 51-31 last season, Cleveland has struggled this season, particularly on offense. The Cavaliers are 25th in the NBA in points per game despite having Garland and Donovan Mitchell, two of the best scorers in the league.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Garland is averaging 20.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 5.9 assists this season while shooting 47.0% from the field, 34.6% from beyond the arc and 83.5% from the free-throw line. The Cavaliers are 11-9 with Garland in the lineup.
The Cavaliers lost to the Celtics by nine points. Garland had 19 points in 36 minutes while shooting 8-of-19 from the floor and 3-of-7 from 3 before getting hurt.
“I don’t think that we came out as aggressive and assertive as we needed to,” Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “I thought we did settle (for shots) a little early, but we did pick it up.”
In July 2022, the Cavaliers signed Garland to a five-year, $197 million extension. Garland is making $34 million this season. Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group represents him.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Garland has career averages of 18.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists while shooting 45.0% overall, 38.4% from deep and 86.7% from the foul line. He made the 2022 All-Star team.
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