Cavaliers face “real concern” over injuries ahead of Game 2

The Cleveland Cavaliers finished the regular season as the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed, going on to sweep the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs.

The Cavaliers came into the Eastern Conference semi-finals in imperious form but things have taken a turn, starting with a Game 1 loss to the Indiana Pacers on home court. The 121-112 loss has dampened the Cavs’ momentum and they could with without several players for Game 2.

On Monday a trio of Cleveland players were listed as questionable for Tuesday’s game; Darius Garland (toe), Evan Mobley (ankle) and De’Andre Hunter (thumb).

Kenny Atkinson admitted that there is “real concern” for the availability of both Mobley and Hunter going into Game 2. Both players played 30+ minutes in the Game 1 loss and they have been key players this year.

Both injuries were sustained in quick succession in the fourth quarter on Sunday. First Mobley landed awkwardly after a basket and tumbled to the floor. On the next Cavs possession Hunter drove to the rim and was blocked by Bennedict Mathurin, taking a hard fall to the court. Neither play was called for a Pacers foul.

“I don’t think they were dirty plays, but I think it passed a line of physicality,” Atkinson told reporters after practice on Monday.

“That line we’ve kind of been talking about where it became excessive,” he continued. “I don’t think this is on Indiana, I have so much respect for how they play. But the fact of the matter, that’s on the referees. Maybe they weren’t missed calls and maybe I’m misinterpreting the rules, but I have a problem when we got two of our best players doubtful for tomorrow’s game. It’s hard for me to get my head around that.”

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