Will the Cavaliers’ Fragile Core Survive the Pacers’ Onslaught?

The Cleveland Cavaliers stand at a precipice. Down 0-2 in their opening playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, every dribble, every shot, every moment in Game 3 could be their last. But there’s more at stake than just a series deficit. The very foundation of their championship aspirations is crumbling under the weight of injuries to key players.

Darius Garland, the team’s dynamic point guard, has yet to make an appearance in the series due to a sprained left big toe. Evan Mobley, the defensive anchor, is battling a sprained left ankle, while De’Andre Hunter, a crucial reserve, is nursing a sprained right thumb. All three are listed as questionable for Game 3, casting a long shadow over the Cavaliers’ prospects.

Despite the uncertainty, there’s a flicker of hope. All three players participated in Friday morning’s shootaround, a positive sign after missing it before Game 2. Their presence suggests a possibility, however slim, that they might take the court when the Cavaliers need them most. Head coach Kenny Atkinson remains cautiously optimistic, stating, “They all touched the ball… hoping for the best.”

Yet, optimism is a fragile thing. The Pacers, led by the relentless Tyrese Haliburton, have shown a penchant for exploiting weaknesses. In Game 2, they capitalized on the Cavaliers’ late-game collapse, turning a 20-point deficit into a one-point victory in the final seconds. The Cavaliers’ inability to close out games has become a glaring vulnerability.

If Garland, Mobley, and Hunter are unable to suit up, the Cavaliers will be forced to rely on a depleted roster. Donovan Mitchell, who scored 48 points in Game 2 despite a calf strain, cannot carry the team alone. The Cavaliers’ depth, once a strength, is now a liability.

Game 3 is more than just a must-win; it’s a defining moment. The Cavaliers’ championship dreams hang by a thread, and the Pacers are poised to sever it. Will Cleveland’s fragile core withstand the pressure, or will the Pacers deliver the knockout blow?

As the clock ticks down to tip-off, one question looms large: Can the Cavaliers’ fragile core survive the Pacers’ onslaught?