The Cavaliers have not been tested much in the first round, but they may be forced to close out the series without a key contributor.
Cavs All-Star guard Darius Garland is battling a toe injury that held him out of Game 3. In Garland's absence, Cleveland dominated its way to a 124-87 rout of the Heat and a 3-0 series lead. As the team eyes a sweep, Garland's status looms large for a potential closeout game and beyond.
Will Garland be available for Game 4? Here is the latest on his status for Cleveland's closeout opportunity.
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Is Darius Garland playing in Game 4 vs. Heat?
Garland's status for Game 4 vs. Miami has yet to be determined.
Garland was a limited participant during Cleveland's practice on Sunday, as he went through a non-contact workout but could not do so at full speed. Head coach Kenny Atkinson said, "We'll see," when asked about Garland playing Monday.
“Listen, I'd love for him to play, obviously,” Atkinson added. “I'm a conservative doctor. I'm going to prescribe the conservative thing. If they give me two choices, that would be my recommendation. Be more conservative.”
And while Atkinson said Cleveland's 3-0 series lead will not have an impact on the decision, the "conservative" approach could result in Garland being shelved until a second-round date with either the Pacers or Bucks.
No team in NBA history has come back from a 3-0 series deficit.
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What channel is Cavaliers vs. Heat Game 4 on?
- TV channel: TNT, TruTV
- Live stream: Sling
Cavaliers vs. Heat Game 4 will air on TNT and TruTV in the United States.
Cord-cutters, meanwhile, can access the matchup on a host of streaming platforms, including Sling, which will carry every NBA playoff game in 2025.
Sling is your home for playoff action. Catch NBA and NHL postseason games with a range of sports channels including TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, ABC, and more.
Cavaliers vs. Heat start time
- Date: Monday, April 28
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
Game 4 of the first-round series between the Cavaliers and Heat will tip off around 7:30 p.m. ET from the Kaseya Center in Miami