The Cleveland Cavaliers are cruising. Donovan Mitchell and Co. have smoothly carried their regular-season dominance to the playoffs. The Cavaliers are already 2-0 up against the Miami Heat in the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs and are eying another win tonight. Coming into this matchup, Cleveland was in control for most of Game 2 but let the foot off the gas during the end and were nearly caught lacking. Nonetheless, a win in Game 3 would clean things up for the Cavs. However, it’s not going to be easy. While the Heat will already be motivated to salvage the series, Darius Garland’s comments will further fuel their motivation.

After their recent win, Garland revealed Cleveland’s game plan against Miami. He put it simply, saying that their team’s plan is to pick Miami’s superstar point guard, Tyler Herro. While the plan might’ve worked so far, the Heat star did not take these comments lightly. He responded to Garland, saying that he shouldn’t be speaking about his team’s game plan in public like that, especially because he isn’t the one guarding him. Well, neither player is known for their defensive prowess, still, the fans are looking forward to seeing them battle it out in Game 3. However, the recent updates might spoil the fun for the fans.

According to NBA reporter Chris Fedor, “#Cavs Darius Garland was not on the floor during his usual pregame warmup time ahead of Game 3 here in Miami.” This indicates that Darius Garland is set to miss tonight’s matchup against Miami. Moreover, it’s massive news because this is Cleveland’s first matchup in South Florida– a place where the Cavaliers haven’t won much in the last decade, and things aren’t looking great even before tip-off. Garland is set to miss this game due to a sprained big toe. This is the same problem he’s been struggling with since the end of the regular season. As per Fedor, this issue re-aggravated during Wednesday’s matchup while Garland contested for a corner three-pointer.

“We were even considering taking him out,” Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said when discussing the injury. “But I looked at him and he said, ‘I’m good.’ He stayed in the game. But we were at the point where do we take him out? I know a lot of us probably played basketball, having a big toe, that’s not a fun one to deal with, just from a pain perspective. It’s unfortunate.” His availability for tonight’s game was also set to be tested in the afternoon. But he unfortunately was not on the floor. This is troubling news for Cleveland, as Darius Garland is a key player for the team. Moreover, he’s been great in the first two playoff games, averaging 24 points and seven assists. Meanwhile, Kenny Atkinson has cleared his stance on the Darius Garland-Tyler Herro controversy.

Cavs HC Kenny Atkinson breaks his silence on Garland-Herro controversy

There has been a brewing storyline as we see the Miami and Cleveland battle it out on the court. “Pick on Tyler Herro and take care of the ball,” Garland said of the Cavs’ approach. “Don’t play in tight spaces and pick on their weak defenders.” Of course, Tyler Herro wasn’t happy after hearing these comments made by Garland, and he did not hold back. “Somebody that doesn’t play defense shouldn’t be talking either. He don’t play any defense and we’ll see that tomorrow. He don’t play no D.” Herro replied. While the two accepted that they have a good relationship off the court, that doesn’t make this trash talk any less real.

Unfortunately, Herro won’t be able to solve this out on the court tonight as Garland has been sidelined due to a toe injury. However, Cavaliers head coach had Darius Garland’s back in this controversial exchange. “I don’t control what they say at all. From our perspective, we have great respect for the Heat. … Tyler is a great player, he’s an All-Star.” Kenny Atkinson stated. He made it clear that he’s not the type of coach who’d control what his players say. He allows them to speak their mind. However, he also put forward his thoughts about Tyler Herro. Atkinson rates the Miami point guard highly, and that was pretty clear through his reaction to Herro in the statement.

So far, the Cavaliers’ tactics have worked out pretty well. However, tonight, Tyler Herro will be highly motivated to prove Darius Garland wrong, even if he can only watch from the sidelines. All eyes are on Herro, who has entered tonight’s game under the microscope. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers will try to keep him at bay on offense. While Garland might’ve been unfortunately ruled out of this matchup, he for sure has increased the hype around the series, with fans excited to see what comes next as the two teams go blow for blow in South Florida.