Cavaliers Injury Report: Donovan Mitchell’s Availability in Question Ahead of 76ers Battle

The Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers will meet for the third time this season. The Cleveland won the first game in overtime, 122-119, while Philadelphia tied the series with a 123-121 victory in the rematch. Despite Joel Embiid’s absence due to injury, the 76ers have remained competitive, going 3-6 since the reigning MVP has been out of action. One of their victories during this time came against a full-strength Cavaliers team, proving that the City of Brotherly Love is still a strong opponent even without their star center.

As the 76ers prepare to meet the Cavaliers once more, they will be hoping to build on their previous success and obtain another victory. And with the Cavs’ star guard Donovan Mitchell’s availability remaining questionable going into this match, the 76ers already have an upper hand before entering the game.

Donovan Mitchell might sit out due to an illness

The Cleveland Cavaliers suffered a blow in their first game following the All-Star break when their talented guard Donovan Mitchell was sidelined with a non-COVID sickness. And according to the recent injury report, he will be questionable for the upcoming game against Philadelphia as well.

Mitchell’s absence was very evident in the Cavaliers’ recent 116-109 loss to the Orlando Magic. The loss marked only their third in the past 21 games, emphasizing the 27-year-old guard’s significance on the team’s performance this season. If Mitchell is unable to play against the 76ers, it will mark his 11th absence this season and his second since December 27.

The 5x All-Star has been critical to the Cavaliers’ success, with the team posting a 30-14 record with him in the lineup contrary to the 6-4 record without him. Mitchell has a 5-9 record against the 76ers in 14 career meetings and in those games, he has managed to average 22.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, including a career-high of 36 points.

Read More: Donovan Mitchell Reminisces ‘Craziest’ Moment With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Which Put Him on the NBA Map

So, Spida’s performances have been critical to the Cavaliers’ remarkable 17-3 record over the previous 20 games, and in games, he did not participate, the team’s offensive and defensive ratings dropped significantly, emphasizing his importance to their success. Now as the Cavaliers await confirmation on Mitchell’s availability for the game against the 76ers, the club, and its supporters will be praying for a speedy recovery for their star guard so that they can continue their pursuit of a playoff place in the Eastern Conference.