It’s no surprise Mitchell will miss Tuesday’s game.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have listed Donovan Mitchell as OUT for Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Bulls. Mitchell twisted his ankle in the third quarter of Sunday’s match versus Sacramento.
It’s no surprise the Cavs are being cautious with Mitchell. It felt like doomsday when he limped off the court in yesterday’s game. It was encouraging that Mitchell returned to play the entire fourth quarter but there’s no sense in straining him anymore when the playoffs are right around the corner.
The Cavs can clinch the first seed with a win over Chicago tomorrow. Without Mitchell, that will be a bit more difficult. But the Cavs aren’t as reliant on Mitchell as they used to be. In fact, they hold a perfect 7-0 record without Mitchell in the lineup this season.
This ankle injury doesn’t appear to be a long-term concern. Mitchell has downplayed it altogether. This suggests the Cavs are simply erring on the side of caution by sitting Mitchell for tomorrow’s game.
“I don’t anticipate it being anything, quite honestly.”
Donovan Mitchell and Kenny Atkinson offer their initial thoughts on #Cavs star’s ankle injury scare vs. the Kings. pic.twitter.com/122ILecLsG
— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) April 7, 2025
Mitchell has been vocal about the importance of being healthy for the postseason. While the recent skid from Cleveland has prolonged the race for the Eastern Conference’s top seed, it’s more important the Cavs are at full strength when the regular season concludes.
Look for Darius Garland to be aggressive in this one. Not only will the Cavs need him to step up with Mitchell on the sidelines — but it would bode well for Garland to get his groove back before the playoffs begin.