Darius Garland is getting set to return after missing several weeks with a jaw injury, and it sounds like the road to recovery has been a difficult one for the Cleveland Cavaliers star.
Garland had his mouth wired shut for four weeks so his fractured jaw could heal, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. The star point guard was on a liquid diet and has been rehabbing while gaining back the weight that he lost.
Garland is expected to make his return on Wednesday night against the Detroit Pistons.
"[Darius Garland] had his mouth wired shut for four weeks. He's been rehabbing, he's been recovering, getting his weight back, he just got his screws out this week and he's planning to make his return on Wednesday."@ShamsCharania updates on Darius Garland's injury.
📺:… pic.twitter.com/VcD7PEDDJC
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) January 30, 2024
The way Garland suffered the injury was a bit unusual. He was driving to the basket with Kristaps Porzingis defending him during Cleveland’s game against the Boston Celtics on Dec. 14. Garland’s face collided with Porzingis’ midsection, which resulted in the broken jaw. You can see the video here.
A clip the Cavs shared from their trip to Paris earlier this month showed Garland talking through his teeth, as he could not open his mouth.
The @cavs soak in the Eiffel Tower during their #NBAParis visit! 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/KNiSPrc9o0
— NBA (@NBA) January 10, 2024
Garland has averaged 20.7 points and 5.9 assists through 20 games this season. The Cavaliers, who made the playoffs last season, have played well in his absence and are 28-16. They should be even better now that they have one of their best players back.
