• Darius Garland is questionable for Game 1 against the Pacers due to a sprained left big toe.
• Coach Kenny Atkinson is undecided on Garland's status and is considering alternative starting lineups.
• The Cavaliers are preparing for a challenging series against the Pacers' potent offense and big backcourt, acknowledging their playoff experience.

Darius Garland's availability for the Cleveland Cavaliers' opening game of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Indiana Pacers is in doubt due to a sprained left big toe. Garland missed the final two games of the first round against the Miami Heat with the same injury. Coach Kenny Atkinson is evaluating Garland's condition daily, with a game-time decision likely. The Cavaliers are also strategizing for the Pacers' strong offensive capabilities and lineup, preparing for a competitive series.

• What: Darius Garland is questionable for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals due to a sprained left big toe. The Cleveland Cavaliers are preparing for the series against the Indiana Pacers.
• Who: Darius Garland, Kenny Atkinson, Sam Merrill, Isaac Okoro, Donovan Mitchell, Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers.
• When: Game 1 is on Sunday night. Garland missed the final two games of the first round against the Miami Heat. The regular season statistics are referenced.
• Where: Independence, Ohio (Cavaliers' practice facility). Cleveland, Ohio (site of Game 1).

Garland's injury presents a significant question mark for the Cavaliers heading into the series against the Pacers. While Cleveland performed well without him against Miami, the Pacers pose a different challenge with their strong offensive players, including Haliburton and Siakam. Atkinson's consideration of different starting lineups highlights the strategic adjustments needed to counter the Pacers' strengths. The series will test the Cavaliers' depth and adaptability.

"We're just in this kind of area where you just got to kind of see day by day and see how it feels tomorrow morning."

"I think we’re better with our All-Star point guard, personally."

"(Indiana’s) guys have been farther in the playoffs and whatnot,”

Darius Garland's availability remains a significant question mark, casting a shadow over the Cavaliers' strategy against the Pacers. Coach Atkinson faces a game-time decision, carefully weighing Garland's toe injury and its potential impact. The Cavaliers have shown they can win without Garland, as demonstrated in their first-round sweep of the Heat. However, the Pacers present a different challenge with their offensive firepower and playoff experience. If Garland remains sidelined, Sam Merrill and Ty Jerome are likely to fill the point guard role alongside Donovan Mitchell. The Cavaliers' ability to adapt their offensive approach, particularly in half-court situations where they excel, and contain the Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam will be critical. While the Cavaliers are favored, the Pacers' experience and the uncertainty surrounding Garland's health introduce an element of unpredictability that could sway the series' outcome.