Danny Cunningham here, the host of the daily Locked On Cavs podcast, with your daily Locked On Cavs newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Cavs and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Darius Garland’s All-Star Case Strengthens with Player of the Week Honor
Darius Garland’s recent Eastern Conference Player of the Week award isn’t just another accolade for the Cleveland Cavaliers guard – it’s a statement that solidifies his All-Star credentials. This marks Garland’s second Player of the Week honor this season, putting him in elite company alongside Boston’s Jayson Tatum as the only Eastern Conference players to achieve this feat multiple times in the current campaign.
Garland’s performance over the past week has been nothing short of spectacular. Averaging 26 points and 7.7 assists per game, he showcased his ability to take over games when it matters most. His 40-point outburst against the Toronto Raptors was particularly impressive, especially considering it came on the second night of a back-to-back following an intense matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
What sets Garland apart this season is his efficiency. He’s flirting with the coveted 50-40-90 shooting split, currently sitting at 49.8% from the field, over 40% from three-point range, and above 91% from the free-throw line. These numbers aren’t just good; they’re historically significant.
The conversation surrounding Garland should no longer be about whether he’ll make the All-Star team, but rather how high he’ll place among the Eastern Conference guards. While Donovan Mitchell is rightfully in the starter conversation, Garland’s play suggests he’s not far behind his backcourt partner.
This week presents a golden opportunity for Garland to cement his All-Star status in the eyes of the broader NBA audience. With two nationally televised games on TNT against the Pacers and Thunder, he has the perfect stage to showcase his talents. If he continues his stellar play and the Cavaliers maintain their winning ways, it’ll be hard for coaches, players, and media members to deny him a spot in the All-Star game.
Garland’s importance to the Cavaliers can’t be overstated. His ability to orchestrate the offense, score efficiently, and elevate his game in crucial moments has been a driving force behind Cleveland’s success this season. As the team looks to solidify its position atop the Eastern Conference, Garland’s continued excellence will be key.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Garland’s All-Star case and the Cavaliers’ recent performances, tune into the Locked On Cavs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Cavs Podcast:
• Are the Cavs asking enough of Donovan Mitchell?
• The importance of balanced scoring for Cleveland’s long-term success
• How the Cavaliers’ offensive and defensive ratings stack up league-wide
Jan 13, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles up court against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. | John E. Sokolowski/John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Something I realized last night at the Warriors-Raptors game, perhaps more pressingly than the last time the team was in town a season ago — this thing isn’t going to last forever.
You wouldn’t get that impression from Steph Curry, who takes his pre-game warmup last and happily engages with the fans who show up an hour before tip-off to watch him. Curry’s off-court presence, compared to his superstar contemporaries, has always been demure and private, but watching him revel and work within that outsized adoration is a privilege in itself. No fan in attendance watching him take feathery lob after feathery lob, or take a volleyball spike to the basketball so he could meet it mid-air for a dunk, was thinking about the finite nature of Curry — performer or competitor.
Even if the underlying desire of proximity to greatness stems from the understanding that one day that greatness will no longer exist, that reality doesn’t translate in the moment. In the moment, there’s just Curry, laughing with his coaches, signing the backs of jerseys, going through footwork, prepping for the night’s game.
Where the impression of a dynasty in its final stages becomes more pronounced is through the words of Warriors coach, Steve Kerr. Asked about how difficult it is to maintain a dynasty, and Kerr reverted to Curry.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Rumor The Cleveland Cavaliers may have played a role in Jimmy Butler wanting to leave Miami. (Fear The Sword)
Analysis Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson has raised concerns about a troubling trend in recent games, highlighting areas that need improvement. (Sports Illustrated)
Preview The Cavaliers head to Indiana to take on the Pacers tonight at 7:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Analysis TheDetroit Pistons are emerging as a serious surprise story this season. (TSN)
Biz Explosive court documents show co-conspirators and other shocking details in Jontay Porter’s ongoing betting scandal. (The Athletic)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
NBA Injury Update: Key Players Sidelined and Return Timelines For Fantasy Basketball
Jan 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier (13) attempts a three point basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the third quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray/Rob Gray-Imagn Images
As we approach the midpoint of the NBA season, injuries continue to play a significant role in shaping team dynamics and fantasy basketball strategies. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most impactful injuries across the league and their potential implications.
The Utah Jazz are once again at the forefront of injury-related drama. Lauri Markkanen’s back spasms and John Collins’ hip issue have raised eyebrows, with many speculating about potential load management strategies. Keyonte George’s heel soreness has kept him out for five consecutive games, while Jordan Clarkson’s plantar fascia injury could potentially end his season. The Jazz’s injury situation is one to monitor closely, as it could lead to increased opportunities for players like Kyle Filipowski and Isaiah Collier
In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid’s knee injury has kept him out for four consecutive games. This absence highlights the risks associated with drafting Embiid in the first round of fantasy drafts. With a busy schedule ahead, including back-to-back sets, Embiid’s playing time could be limited even upon his return.
For more insights and a deeper dive into NBA injuries and their fantasy implications, tune into the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
• Portland Trail Blazers injury updates
• Phoenix Suns roster changes and injury concerns
• Orlando Magic’s lengthy injury report and fantasy implications
3peat (ICYMI)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Cavs podcasts.
DG’s 40-ball The Cavs pushed their winning streak to 12 games on Thursday night thanks to Darius Garland dropping 40 points on the Toronto Raptors.
Showcase Win over OKC Cleveland took on Oklahoma City on Wednesday night and came away with the best win of the NBA season. How far can this Cavs team go?
Snapped! The Cavs saw their winning streak snapped on Sunday night by the Pacers. What went wrong?
