Garland sits at No. 38 as Cleveland navigates Mitchell’s ball-dominant role, with debate on whether Garland can shoulder more scoring and how defense factors into his ceiling.

Garland returned to All-Star form as Mitchell’s backcourt partner, helping Cleveland sustain elite offense. His playmaking and scoring juice in a system designed for efficiency position him as a strong fantasy engine, with upside if his usage remains balanced with Mitchell and Mobley.

Garland anchors the Cavaliers’ backcourt; his health is pivotal for the rotation and his usage will define the ceiling for Mobley, Mitchell, and the frontcourt options.

Garland faces a toe surgery start but remains a high-usage creator. The analysis flags a potential month-long absence, with rest-of-season minutes potentially limited to ~67 games. If healthy, he could deliver mid-40s per-game value and top-25 totals. The key is budgeting the early-season downtime while assuming a strong late-season run if he regains form post-recovery.

Garland’s toe surgery and cautious return frame the early-season usage. Expect limited minutes at first, with a slow ramp back toward 30+ minutes as the Cavs prioritize postseason readiness. His absence amplifies Mitchell’s load and accelerates Mobley’s involvement, while the team buffers through Ball, Merrill, and Hunter for spacing.