Cavaliers Announce Donovan Mitchell News on Wednesday

Early in the season, Mitchell’s efforts have been incredibly important due to the injuries the roster has endured. Point guard Darius Garland and small forward Max Strus have yet to make their debut this year, and shooting guard Sam Merrill is also set to miss extended time.

On Wednesday, Mitchell was added to the team’s growing list of injuries. The Cavaliers announced their official injury report to the NBA ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Boston Celtics, and Mitchell’s name appeared just hours before tipoff. He was listed as questionable with left hamstring tightness.

Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson revealed that Mitchell would still suit up despite the injury designation. “He will definitely go out there and try it,” Atkinson said (h/t Bobby Krivitsky of Forbes).

Although Mitchell will be in uniform, his status will continue to be monitored. Despite appearing in the first four games for Cleveland, it is concerning that his hamstring has continued to bother him. Danny Cunningham of The Inside Stack first reported that Mitchell’s hamstring setback occurred on Oct. 22 against the New York Knicks. “Donovan Mitchell appeared to be grabbing at his left hamstring. He called for a sub and is being looked at right now on the baseline,” Cunningham wrote one week ago.

It is likely that Mitchell may need some time to rest once his teammates return, giving him a chance to ensure his hamstring is fully healthy. Atkinson’s comments suggest the injury is not a huge concern, but it will definitely be worth monitoring. Mitchell remains the most important player on the Cavaliers. He is a six-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection, yet he is still searching for team success, having never reached the NBA Finals in his nine-year career.