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Donovan Mitchell confirms injury suspicion that adds insult to what the Cavs are already dealing with down 0-2 to the Pacers

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated May 7, 2025 8:40 AM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in a tough spot, down 0-2 to the Indiana Pacers after sweeping the Miami Heat in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs.

Cleveland blew a substantial lead against the Pacers in the final quarter, ultimately losing at the buzzer on a Tyrese Haliburton three-pointer. Props to Haliburton, who drilled the shot in the biggest moment—despite fans jeering him earlier in the game.

Not only do the Cavs now have to go on the road to Indiana, but they also have to hope they can get healthy.

Donovan Mitchell playing through injury vs. the Pacers

Mitchell was noticeably hobbling at times during the 35 minutes he played in Tuesday night’s 120-119 loss. He confirmed to reporters after the game that he’s playing through an injury.

“We all are. It is what it is,” Mitchell said.

“We all are. It is what it is.”#Cavs guard Donovan Mitchell on playing through an injury and whether or not it’s difficult to keep putting his body on the line like he did tonight.
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) May 7, 2025

He took a hard fall while going for a rebound just before Aaron Nesmith threw down a putback dunk. A calf injury has been lingering as well. Despite the injury, Mitchell carried the Cavs offensively, dropping 48 points—but it still wasn’t enough.

#Cavs guard Donovan Mitchell didn’t deny he’s dealing with a calf injury, as was reported on tonight’s broadcast on TNT.
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) May 7, 2025

Cleveland was already without PG Darius Garland, PF Evan Mobley, and SF De’Andre Hunter in Game 2. Garland is still dealing with a lingering toe injury from the series against Miami, while Mobley sprained his ankle in Game 1 against Indiana. Hunter suffered a sprained right thumb in that same game.

The No. 1 seed in the East has now lost home-court advantage by dropping the first two games. The Cavs have to hope they can get healthier in time, while their star guard continues to gut it out. They’ll need every bit of the extra day off before facing the Pacers again on Friday.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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