The Cleveland Cavaliers will once again be without their best player.
Donovan Mitchell had a setback with his knee injury, and he has already ruled himself out of the next game vs. the Indiana Pacers.
According to Cavs sideline reporter Serena Winters, Mitchell admitted that he was not ready to get back on the floor.
He added that he’s not blowing past people right now, which is affecting his game, so he needs to keep working on his rehab.
Donovan Mitchell talking about his knee post-game, says he probably won't play against Indiana.
Donovan had a PRP injection on March 4th to treat a left knee bone bruise (missed 7 total games), before returning 2 games ago. pic.twitter.com/r0Z5QgbscD
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) March 16, 2024
The Cavs have been without key players for most of the campaign, with PF/C Evan Mobley missing plenty of time with injuries, Darius Garland also being out for an extended period, and now even Max Strus and Donovan Mitchell struggling to stay on the court.
JB Bickerstaff’s team got off to a spectacular start to the season, and even when undermanned, they proved they could compete with the best teams in the league night in and night out.
Now, it’ll all depend on whether Garland is able to weather the storm on his own while his teammates return, but they continue to find ways to win games despite currently being down three of five starters.
They have a big chance to clinch homecourt advantage in one postseason series, and they cannot afford to get cold with the playoffs just around the corner.
Then again, their playoff success will most likely depend on Donovan Mitchell, which is why they must make sure to give him enough time to get back to full strength.
NEXT: Insider Makes Prediction About Donovan Mitchell, Cavs