Looks like the Cavaliers’ luck is hardly siding with them lately! Hot off of a 16-game winning streak topped by their latest 133-124 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on March 14, the team looks much closer to furrowed eyebrows, and creased foreheads… The reason? A key absence in the team roster—which just intensified after another addition…

Donovan Mitchell has always been the kind of power the Cavaliers need. Averaging a staggering 24.2 points—the highest in the current roster—4.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 45.1% from the field and 38.4% from the three-point range in 60 games, the veteran has been a solid member. However, come March 11, a worrying update hit the community like a storm. Ahead of the team hosting the Brooklyn Nets in Ohio, the 28-year-old suddenly appeared on the injury list with what appeared to be left groin soreness. “In Charlotte there was a little bit of soreness,” Atkinson said before Tuesday’s game before adding, “I think that’s when it started. Definitely not something huge…not a huge deal. But I think we err on the side of caution, but he always wants to play.” 

However, despite being ruled out ultimately, All-Star Darius Garland stole the show, scoring 18 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter, and helping his team to a 109-104 victory. Then there was Jarrett Allen, who added 23 points and 13 rebounds, while Evan Mobley had 21 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Notably, apart from Mitchell, forward De’Andre Hunter (illness) and guard Ty Jerome (rest) also didn’t show up. Furthermore, even during their next clash with the Memphis Grizzlies, Mitchell was a no-show—he took his antics elsewhere. And, boy, was it hilarious! (which we’ll talk later!)

The Cavs are on a 16-game winning streak after their latest win over the Grizzlies, and have an 8-and-a-half game lead over the Celtics. Even without the presence of Spida Mitchell, they managed to offensively dominate the thriving Memphis side, clinching a win. Yet, Mitchell’s absence has heightened curiosity among fans for when they’ll be able to see the player on the court. And looks like the team is finally here with an answer. As the Cleveland Cavaliers prepare for their match-up against Orlando Magic on March 16 (1 p.m. EDT), the injury report listed him as Questionable. 

Mind you, this is sort of the same injury that has sidelined Lakers kingpin LeBron James for at least two weeks. With 16 games left in the regular season, the Cavaliers have put themselves in a pretty safe spot for playoff contention. While the Cleveland side remains 6-0 without Mitchell, this time, however, Spida isn’t alone. The Cavs also listed the starting forward Evan Mobley in the Questionable category, citing a foot contusion… The exact point at which he picked this injury up is yet to be determined for now. It’s quite a shocker after we consider the gutsy performance he put up against Jaren Jackson Jr. and the Grizz.

Mobley has produced an impeccable average of 18.6 ppg and 9.3 rbs this season. Honestly, that’s pretty high for the third-best player on the roster, don’t you think? So, with two major offense machines off the starting lineup for now, can the Cavs safely secure and maintain their streak? Especially against a team that is desperately looking for a W to rise in the ladder. But looks like the Cavs veteran is quite enjoying his time off the court, which was evident from his latest social media activity. On March 12, Mitchell, along with other veterans including Tristan Thompson, pulled off the most hilarious prank on Jaylon Tyson after he made the biggest mistake as a rookie…

An Instagram post captioned, “BRING THE DONUTS 🍩🍩😂😂 @jaylontyson_”, showed Tyson’s car adorned with “NEXT TIME BRING US OUR DOUGHNUTS” pamphlets. However, the real surprise was inside. As soon as the 22-year-old opened the driver’s side door, a sea of popcorn greeted him. “I ain’t driving that sh-t,” Tyson hilariously noted as he pulled his trolley from the trunk—also featuring a sea of popcorn!

Having said that, now let’s move onto the most important thing of the hour…

Donovan Mitchell & Co. vs the Magic: Starting Lineup and Depth Chart

With Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley less likely to play today, Darius Garland has to shoulder the responsibility. De’Andre Hunter has continued to impress off the bench since his mid-season inclusion. So, in all likelihood, Hunter could step in and get the job done alongside Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Orlando Magic

On the other hand, the Orlando Magic has a dying need to get the W to find a chance to escape play-in contention. In the last 10 games, the Magic have a 3-7 record. It’s not like they put up a poor show. The team just couldn’t close out most of the games.

Above all, the Cavs and Magic play the same style. More physical and the emphasis on the defense. So, while Cole Anthony (toe) is Questionable, the Magic can capitalize on the absence of Mitchell and Mobley and steal a victory. What do you think? Predictions?