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Cavs look to balance Donovan Mitchell’s workload, monitor Lonzo Ball
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Cavs look to balance Donovan Mitchell’s workload, monitor Lonzo Ball

Originally posted on Hoops Wire  |  By Sam Amico  |  Last updated Oct 1, 2025 1:14 PM ET

As relayed by Bobby Marks of ESPN, one of the key storylines for the Cavaliers heading into the season involves how they handle Donovan Mitchell’s workload — and what happens while Darius Garland and Max Strus work their way back from injuries.

Mitchell played the fewest minutes of his career last season, which helped him suit up for 71 games. That was his highest total since 2018-19. But Garland underwent toe surgery on June 9, and while he’s resumed basketball activities, it remains something to monitor.

Strus, meanwhile, had surgery for a Jones fracture in his left foot in late August and won’t be reevaluated for another three to four months.

The Cavs brought in Lonzo Ball as a replacement for Ty Jerome and extra insurance while Garland recovers. Ball played 35 games for Chicago last season after missing two years with multiple left knee surgeries, but he missed the final 23 games with a wrist injury and logged more than 30 minutes just once.

I’ve said all along that if the Cavs can get 45-50 games and a healthy playoffs out of Ball, it will be a significant boost.

Marks also notes several dates to watch:

Extension candidates include Dean Wade, Strus, Garland and Hunter (Oct. 1).

MORE CAVS | Camp Notes: Pace, Bryant, Garland, Merrill

This article first appeared on Hoops Wire and was syndicated with permission.

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