Game 42: Cavs @ 76ers 1/14/2026

[JonFromVA]

An ongoing problem across two different coaching staffs is that we don't have a guy who will dissuade other teams from playing recklessly against us, so other teams will regularly play recklessly against us.

Garland was yanked from behind to the ground by one Sixer and the other dove through him to get to the ball and there was no call. The officials tightened up the game afterwards, but the incentives for junking up the game against the Cavs aren't great.

Even if we did, the team prides itself on playing "ethical basketball" while NBA is encouraging physical play.

I mean, did you see the call they overturned where Mobley and Embiid smacked each other in the face and they called a loose ball foul on Mobley because they apparently decided his blow landed first (by a fraction of a second)?

Why did the refs ignore that Mobley was the defensive rebounder with great position and it was Embiid who was shoving in to Mobley to take the rebound away from him?

I'm suggesting they fill that 15th spot with a guy who is capable of standing up for his teammates in the game when the reckless play is happening prior to someone getting injured. The only players capable of escalating in real time to stop play are Hunter, Mitchell, and Strus, but I've never seen them do it on behalf of a teammate.

The one time Allen set a hard screen to get an overly physical defender off Garland, he was ejected because JBB had a full blown meltdown (which was just absurd). If we're not going to address junking up the game, in real time, we need the guy on bench who makes the officials think about whether it's maybe time to tighten up the whistles, and the other team think about being on the receiving end of reckless play.

Not for nothing, but I expect my coach to watch the rest of the game from the locker room if my all star PG gets injured on a play like that and there's no call.

Kenny could also go on a post game tirade, but the refs calling a foul right isn't going to stop physical/reckless play ... and sadly Garland hurting his foot again because he decided to try to stop his fall with his toes is more of a him problem than a league problem.

If he's that brittle and/or his toe is that unprotected (perhaps because he got tired of playing with a more protective brace in his shoe!?!?) then it was more just a matter of time before he aggravated it again.

[JujitsuFlip]

I did not turn the game on so you cannot blame me. Maybe mentioning the game did it

I will probs go back and watch this one

An ongoing problem across two different coaching staffs is that we don't have a guy who will dissuade other teams from playing recklessly against us, so other teams will regularly play recklessly against us.

Garland was yanked from behind to the ground by one Sixer and the other dove through him to get to the ball and there was no call. The officials tightened up the game afterwards, but the incentives for junking up the game against the Cavs aren't great.

This team, through different ownerships, front offices and coaching staffs has not had any serviceable players that can or will dissuade other teams from intimidating other teams. Since the Price Daugherty Cavs there has been an over the hill Tree Rollins and an over the hill Kendrick Perkins. Nobody to protect Mark Price, nobody to protect Garland. Talented but soft nice guys aren't going to win anything. This is what makes watching this team frustrating for me. Sorry, had to vent/rant.

Idkkkkkkkk

That 2015-16 championship team was full of guys who didn't mind doing the cheap shots and took no crap.

The two biggest were JR Smith and Dahntay Jones. They didn't mind to throw elbows, nut shots, spinning back fists. Shoot, even untying shoes on free throws was fair game.

But you also had Mozgov who was nearly 300 pounds, he wasn't these soft scrawny pencil necks like Mobley and Allen. He had stone hands but no one was punking that guy.

Even RJ and Delly, they did not junk up the game but they were savy & played with an edge and a sense of "force" at the correct times.

T. Kardashian was just your standard all hustle archetype.

[JujitsuFlip]

If [Garland is] that brittle and/or his toe is that unprotected (perhaps because he got tired of playing with a more protective brace in his shoe!?!?) then it was more just a matter of time before he aggravated it again.

I believe it is being reported this is his right toe now, not his surgically repaired left one.

I'd get him into surgery ASAP to repair the turf toe, i wouldn't mess around with trying to play through it, this time.

His left toe was operated on June 9th and he did not play his first game until November 5th AND was super rusty.

If Cavs can make a run to the Finals, they may be able to get Garland back, at least off the bench.

I'd say in the next 3 weeks we need to trade Hunter for a starting caliber PG, because we know Mitchell is not a good enough facilitator.

If not, try to lure Ben Simmons out of retirement with the promise he can start at PG. Then move Hunter or Ball for a starting level SF in the next 3 weeks.

Edit: actually I'm doing Nance for CP3, the locker room is gonna be tense but its our best option with Garland probably out for the rest of the season; barring a very deep playoff run.

[JonFromVA]

I'm not seeing any updates on the injury, so, maybe some patience is in order until we've got a link?

[jbk1234]

Even if we did, the team prides itself on playing "ethical basketball" while NBA is encouraging physical play.

I mean, did you see the call they overturned where Mobley and Embiid smacked each other in the face and they called a loose ball foul on Mobley because they apparently decided his blow landed first (by a fraction of a second)?

Why did the refs ignore that Mobley was the defensive rebounder with great position and it was Embiid who was shoving in to Mobley to take the rebound away from him?

I'm suggesting they fill that 15th spot with a guy who is capable of standing up for his teammates in the game when the reckless play is happening prior to someone getting injured. The only players capable of escalating in real time to stop play are Hunter, Mitchell, and Strus, but I've never seen them do it on behalf of a teammate.

The one time Allen set a hard screen to get an overly physical defender off Garland, he was ejected because JBB had a full blown meltdown (which was just absurd). If we're not going to address junking up the game, in real time, we need the guy on bench who makes the officials think about whether it's maybe time to tighten up the whistles, and the other team think about being on the receiving end of reckless play.

Not for nothing, but I expect my coach to watch the rest of the game from the locker room if my all star PG gets injured on a play like that and there's no call.

Kenny could also go on a post game tirade, but the refs calling a foul right isn't going to stop physical/reckless play ... and sadly Garland hurting his foot again because he decided to try to stop his fall with his toes is more of a him problem than a league problem.

If he's that brittle and/or his toe is that unprotected (perhaps because he got tired of playing with a more protective brace in his shoe!?!?) then it was more just a matter of time before he aggravated it again.

Are we talking about the same play? It's his right foot. I haven't seen turf toe reported anywhere.

[JujitsuFlip]

I'm not seeing any updates on the injury, so, maybe some patience is in order until we've got a link?

https://youtu.be/xceFF5Kh6fc?si=i2pjbTcp6C_xKmFw

I'm on the RGM app, not sure the video will work but if it does, go to the 40 second mark, this is 100% turf toe.

He can try to play through it like he did last season, with the other toe but he was a shell of himself. So I'd skip that circus show and just put him straight under the knife, his regular season is over, at minimum. Potetinally he won't even be ready by the NBA Finals, if we somehow make it there but surgery is the best bet.

CP3 for Nance, I'd do that trade today. I'm also dumping Lonzo Ball, so I can get Tomlin on a standard deal, we'll need him in the post season.

From there, i 100% am getting Ben Simmons outta retirement, idc what it takes. His lack of shooting will kill us but we can Larry Sanders him and let him ramp up before mid April.

[JujitsuFlip]

It's his right foot. I haven't seen turf toe reported anywhere.

Oh, it's 100% turf toe. Now if we wanna debate what grade it is (1, 2, or 3) maybe that's a different conversation. But he's grabbing the bottom front of his foot, Garland's regular season is over.

I know you hate CPJ but his playing time is about to skyrocket until we can get CP3 in here.

If we can't convince Ben Simmons to come outta retirement, then i assume if Hunter is going to the Lakers for Vando we for sure want Gabe thrown in. But we'll have to dump Ball to create the necessary roster spot, bc 15 needs to go to Tomlin.

[toooskies]

Chris Paul we can take into roster spot #15 whenever we want. The minimum exception applies even to 2nd apron teams.

[JujitsuFlip]

Chris Paul we can take into roster spot #15 whenever we want. The minimum exception applies even to 2nd apron teams.

I'd still send out Nance to keep a spot for Tomlin. Edit: i guess you could send out Bryant for CP3 but Nance seems washed, why i suggest him.

And if Gilbert doesn't want the 3rd year of Vando's deal. Then maybe we keep Hunter or flip him for disgruntled chucker Kuminga, then send out Ball for Kyle Andersonl, to have a vet ball handler off the bench.

We'll need a PG upgrade or 2 regardless. Ben Simmons seems like a long shot but it's worth the call.

[toooskies]

Chris Paul we can take into roster spot #15 whenever we want. The minimum exception applies even to 2nd apron teams.

I'd still send out Nance to keep a spot for Tomlin. Edit: i guess you could send out Bryant for CP3 but Nance seems washed, why i suggest him.

And if Gilbert doesn't want the 3rd year of Vando's deal. Then maybe we keep Hunter or flip him for disgruntled chucker Kuminga, then send out Ball for Kyle Andersonl, to have a vet ball handler off the bench.

We'll need a PG upgrade or 2 regardless. Ben Simmons seems like a long shot but it's worth the call.

We don’t know the severity regardless. Garland might only miss a few days or weeks.

[JujitsuFlip]

Chris Paul we can take into roster spot #15 whenever we want. The minimum exception applies even to 2nd apron teams.

I'd still send out Nance to keep a spot for Tomlin. Edit: i guess you could send out Bryant for CP3 but Nance seems washed, why i suggest him.

And if Gilbert doesn't want the 3rd year of Vando's deal. Then maybe we keep Hunter or flip him for disgruntled chucker Kuminga, then send out Ball for Kyle Andersonl, to have a vet ball handler off the bench.

We'll need a PG upgrade or 2 regardless. Ben Simmons seems like a long shot but it's worth the call.

We don’t know the severity regardless. Garland might only miss a few days or weeks.

He is goofy and gonna try to play through it, just like last season.

The report is out, it's "great toe soreness" aka dude has turf toe again but the opposite foot this time. What grade, idk.

Allegedly they will fully evaluate him when they're back to CLE.

Again, I'd put this dude under the knife ASAP. Him trying to play through it last season looked about as bad as Anthony Bennett's rookie season, no exaggeration.

We need CP3 and Ben Simmons here sooner than later. And neither of those options are very good but they will keep you afloat for the last 40 games of the regular season.

[gflem]

An ongoing problem across two different coaching staffs is that we don't have a guy who will dissuade other teams from playing recklessly against us, so other teams will regularly play recklessly against us.

Garland was yanked from behind to the ground by one Sixer and the other dove through him to get to the ball and there was no call. The officials tightened up the game afterwards, but the incentives for junking up the game against the Cavs aren't great.

This team, through different ownerships, front offices and coaching staffs has not had any serviceable players that can or will dissuade other teams from intimidating other teams. Since the Price Daugherty Cavs there has been an over the hill Tree Rollins and an over the hill Kendrick Perkins. Nobody to protect Mark Price, nobody to protect Garland. Talented but soft nice guys aren't going to win anything. This is what makes watching this team frustrating for me. Sorry, had to vent/rant.

Being a fan of this team often feels like tuning in to watch your kid get bullied at school.

Man, I agree! like Jon said, that call on Mobley was ridiculous. Embiid definitely initiated the contact.

[jbk1234]

Chris Paul we can take into roster spot #15 whenever we want. The minimum exception applies even to 2nd apron teams.

CP3 looked worse than Ball when we played the Clippers. I think you try to get Hayes or Proctor there by the playoffs. Of course, I've thought that for a while now, but I think you've got try to roll a hard six and get someone with the requisite heighth and athleticism to defend the position.

[JujitsuFlip]

Chris Paul we can take into roster spot #15 whenever we want. The minimum exception applies even to 2nd apron teams.

CP3 looked worse than Ball when we played the Clippers. I think you try to get Hayes or Proctor there by the playoffs. Of course, I've thought that for a while now, but I think you've got try to roll a hard six and get someone with the requisite heighth and athleticism to defend the position.

Hayes can't even make a NBA roster and has zero playoff games of expierence, that's not the move.

Cavs gambling their entire season on him or a rookie as their starter next to Mitchell the rest of the season is just some terrible GMing.

CP3 is old as dirt and might break the locker room but we know that guy can command an offense, in the playoffs.

Ben Simmons gonna pass up on layups but hey, he has the size you want, in bunches. With the way the Clippers seem to be getting away with paying Kawhi off the books, I'd have Dan give Ben a little wink wink deal.

Edit: i did just see someone mention Kyle Lowry but i find it hard to believe the 76ers are going to help us with a starting PG to close the season, when we're right next to them in the standings.

[JujitsuFlip]

Chris Paul we can take into roster spot #15 whenever we want. The minimum exception applies even to 2nd apron teams.

CP3 looked worse than Ball when we played the Clippers. I think you try to get Hayes or Proctor there by the playoffs. Of course, I've thought that for a while now, but I think you've got try to roll a hard six and get someone with the requisite heighth and athleticism to defend the position.

This is also rather contradictory, when Garland is your favorite Cavalier...

[toooskies]

Chris Paul we can take into roster spot #15 whenever we want. The minimum exception applies even to 2nd apron teams.

CP3 looked worse than Ball when we played the Clippers. I think you try to get Hayes or Proctor there by the playoffs. Of course, I've thought that for a while now, but I think you've got try to roll a hard six and get someone with the requisite heighth and athleticism to defend the position.

Hayes can't even make a NBA roster and has zero playoff games of expierence, that's not the move.

Cavs gambling their entire season on him or a rookie as their starter next to Mitchell the rest of the season is just some terrible GMing.

CP3 is old as dirt and might break the locker room but we know that guy can command an offense, in the playoffs.

Ben Simmons gonna pass up on layups but hey, he has the size you want, in bunches. With the way the Clippers seem to be getting away with paying Kawhi off the books, I'd have Dan give Ben a little wink wink deal.

Edit: i did just see someone mention Kyle Lowry but i find it hard to believe the 76ers are going to help us with a starting PG to close the season, when we're right next to them in the standings.

If we need a replacement PG I'd talk to Sacramento about Strus or Hunter for Schroder. Or just Westbrook.

I'd consider Garland to POR for Holiday if Garland is out for the year.

If Garland is out for the year then he makes an interesting outgoing trade piece for a rebuilding team who wants to be good next year (i.e. Brooklyn).

[jbk1234]

CP3 looked worse than Ball when we played the Clippers. I think you try to get Hayes or Proctor there by the playoffs. Of course, I've thought that for a while now, but I think you've got try to roll a hard six and get someone with the requisite heighth and athleticism to defend the position.

Hayes can't even make a NBA roster and has zero playoff games of expierence, that's not the move.

Cavs gambling their entire season on him or a rookie as their starter next to Mitchell the rest of the season is just some terrible GMing.

CP3 is old as dirt and might break the locker room but we know that guy can command an offense, in the playoffs.

Ben Simmons gonna pass up on layups but hey, he has the size you want, in bunches. With the way the Clippers seem to be getting away with paying Kawhi off the books, I'd have Dan give Ben a little wink wink deal.

Edit: i did just see someone mention Kyle Lowry but i find it hard to believe the 76ers are going to help us with a starting PG to close the season, when we're right next to them in the standings.

If we need a replacement PG I'd talk to Sacramento about Strus or Hunter for Schroder. Or just Westbrook.

I'd consider Garland to POR for Holiday if Garland is out for the year.

If Garland is out for the year then he makes an interesting outgoing trade piece for a rebuilding team who wants to be good next year (i.e. Brooklyn).

Garland for MPJ is worst case scenario in my book.

Jrue has only played in 15 games this season, isn't good anymore, owed almost as much as Garland, and at 35 years old has no hope of returning to the player he was. The Celtics were comfortable dumping him because Pritchard was actually outplaying him.

The last two teams to sign Schroeder as an emergency PG ended up benching him before the all star break.

Westbrook has failed almost every playoff team he's been on since OKC.

Unless the Bulls aren't paying White this summer, the Cavs won't improve their situation by trading Strus. That's why I prefer trying to get Hayes or Proctor there by the playoffs.

[JonFromVA]

Chris Paul we can take into roster spot #15 whenever we want. The minimum exception applies even to 2nd apron teams.

CP3 looked worse than Ball when we played the Clippers. I think you try to get Hayes or Proctor there by the playoffs. Of course, I've thought that for a while now, but I think you've got try to roll a hard six and get someone with the requisite heighth and athleticism to defend the position.

This is also rather contradictory, when Garland is your favorite Cavalier...

Well, if we can't replace Garland's offense, the least we can do is try to find some defense and shooting.

And while counting on a rook like Proctor to become something by playoff time that he isn't right now is a gamble we can't afford, I do believe we should keep finding him minutes and developing him because you never know. Wouldn't hurt to get him some minutes with the Charge. I wouldn't elevate him over CPJ like jbk1234 would prefer, but we're an injury plagued team and everybody needs to be as ready to step in as possible.

[JujitsuFlip]

CP3 looked worse than Ball when we played the Clippers. I think you try to get Hayes or Proctor there by the playoffs. Of course, I've thought that for a while now, but I think you've got try to roll a hard six and get someone with the requisite heighth and athleticism to defend the position.

This is also rather contradictory, when Garland is your favorite Cavalier...

Well, if we can't replace Garland's offense, the least we can do is try to find some defense and shooting.

And while counting on a rook like Proctor to become something by playoff time that he isn't right now is a gamble we can't afford, I do believe we should keep finding him minutes and developing him because you never know. Wouldn't hurt to get him some minutes with the Charge. I wouldn't elevate him over CPJ like jbk1234 would prefer, but we're an injury plagued team and everybody needs to be as ready to step in as possible.

I like Proctor but he's a year away from playing time just like Tyson last season.

Game 2, round 2 we were decimated by injuries and Tyson didn't get in. With Garland out for the season, i expect similarly Proctor doesn't get a shot.

Hayes does not have a consistent jumper, so i agree defense and shooting but idk what player that would be.

[JujitsuFlip]

Chris Paul we can take into roster spot #15 whenever we want. The minimum exception applies even to 2nd apron teams.

Actually, the GB just informed you're correct, we'd have to send nothing back. Then I'd just waive and stretch Nance, he's useless.