The Cleveland Cavaliers tipped off their 2025-26 season against the New York Knicks tonight, as they look to take an early lead in the Eastern Conference standings. However, there was a glaring absence during starting lineups: one half of the team’s dynamic backcourt, Darius Garland, was missing. Here’s why the All-Star is missing his team’s opening night matchup.

Garland, the Cavs’ lead point guard, remains sidelined as he recovers from a toe surgery this past June. The guard suffered the injury during Cleveland’s first-round matchup against the Miami Heat, and it cost them dearly in their next playoff series against Indiana. Garland tried playing through the injury but was significantly weakened, prompting surgery in the offseason.

Going into the matchup with the Knicks, Cleveland is s

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