Cleveland Cavaliers second-year guard Jaylon Tyson may be left out of the playoff rotation as coach Kenny Atkinson narrows his lineup for the first-round series against the Toronto Raptors, according to Sports Illustrated. Tyson, who started 42 of 66 games this season, has seen his playing time diminish amid roster changes and key injuries.

Struggles in Playoff Games

In the recent game against the Detroit Pistons, Tyson was an afterthought in Game 6, entering the game only with a few minutes left and the result already decided. This marked a sharp decline from his regular-season impact, where he became a key roleplayer after being a first-round pick in 2024. According to sportingnews.com. His erratic play—such as picking up quick fouls in Game 5 and getting into a fracas at the end of Game 6—may have cost him Atkinson’s trust.

“I’d hate to be Kenny having to pick all of us,” Cavs star Donovan Mitchell said last week, acknowledging the challenge of trimming the roster for the playoffs. Mitchell also noted that the team is now fresh and looking for ways to adapt in the postseason.

Competition for Minutes

With the trade deadline additions of Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis from the Sacramento Kings, the Cavaliers now have more depth in backcourt options, Schroder, a veteran with a championship mindset, has impressed since his arrival and could be favored over younger, less experienced players like Tyson.

Schroder’s ability to handle the ball and his EuroBasket experience have made him a valuable asset, especially after the failed experiment with Lonzo Ball; Ellis, meanwhile, has brought a hard-nosed defensive mentality that fits well with the Cavs’ system. If Atkinson must choose between Tyson and Schroder, he may lean toward the veteran point guard.

According to Basketball-World.news, Tyson averaged 13.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game in 64 games this season; he shot 49.6 percent from the field and 45.5 percent from three-point range, making him one of the league’s more efficient role players. The site also noted that Tyson was a steal for the Cavs at his $3.5 million salary and helped fill the gap when Max Strus was injured.

Playoff Series and 3-Point Shooting

Meanwhile, the first-round series against the Raptors has seen its fair share of drama. In Game 4, the Raptors managed a surprising 93-89 win despite a dismal 3-point shooting performance. The Raptors shot just 13.3 percent (4/30) from beyond the arc,ESPN noted this was the worst 3-point percentage in playoff history for a team attempting 25 or more shots from long range.

“I told the players at halftime that we’re doing well with a 27% field goal percentage and 15% three-point percentage,” Toronto coach Darco Rayaćović said, as quoted by v.daum.net. “But that was a lie. We didn’t improve in the second half.”

The Cavaliers, on the other hand, had a better 3-point percentage of 25% (10/40), but their performance was hampered by 14 turnovers, including seven by veteran James Harden. The fifth game of the series is set for May 30 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.

As the Cavs prepare for the playoffs, the question remains whether Jaylon Tyson can regain his role or if he’ll be left on the outside looking in. His season has been a rollercoaster, from breakout rookie to a player whose playing time has been reduced in the most important moments of the year.