Cavs Dealing with More Than Just Losses as Donovan Mitchell, Craig Porter Jr. Ruled Out vs. Bulls
CLEVELAND - Just when it looked like the Cavaliers might start finding their footing, the team’s depth chart took another hit. Star guard Donovan Mitchell will miss the Dec. 19 rematch against the Bulls due to illness, head coach Kenny Atkinson confirmed. It’s a tough break for a Cleveland squad that’s already been navigating a season full of setbacks - and now, they’ll be without their best player.
Mitchell actually suited up two nights earlier in Chicago despite not feeling 100%. He dropped 26 points in that game, but it was clear he wasn’t his usual explosive self in the 127-111 loss. Since then, his condition has worsened, and the Cavs made the call to shut him down for the night.
“Donovan came in yesterday pretty sick,” Atkinson said. “We sent him home, and today he’s not feeling well at all.
Kind of got worse. So he’s out.”
He’s not the only one. Backup guard Craig Porter Jr. is also sidelined with an illness, leaving Cleveland’s backcourt even thinner.
Porter has been a steady contributor off the bench, especially with the team battling injuries across the board. His absence adds another layer of challenge to an already uphill climb.
Atkinson didn’t sugarcoat the situation.
“We’re going to have to weather some more storms, some more clouds,” he said. “These are the kinds of moments that test your program. See what your young guys are made of.”
Next Man Up: Tyrese Proctor Gets the Nod
With both Mitchell and Porter out, rookie guard Tyrese Proctor will make his first career NBA start. It’s a big moment for the young guard, who now has a chance to show what he can do under the bright lights. Proctor has shown flashes of poise and playmaking in limited minutes, but this will be his first real trial by fire.
The Cavs also called up forward Luke Travers from the G League Winter Showcase in Florida to help fill out the rotation. Travers, on a two-way contract, brings length and energy - and at this point, Cleveland will take all the healthy bodies it can get.
Injury Report: Still a Long List
The Cavaliers are still without several key rotation pieces. Evan Mobley remains sidelined with a left calf strain, Sam Merrill is out with a right hand sprain, and Larry Nance Jr. continues to recover from a right calf strain. Max Strus is still working his way back from offseason foot surgery, and Chris Livingston, also on a two-way deal, won’t be available.
That’s six players out, including Mitchell and Porter. For a team that came into the season with playoff expectations, the attrition is starting to pile up.
Mitchell Still a Bright Spot in a Rough Season
Despite the team’s 15-13 record and inconsistent play, Donovan Mitchell has been nothing short of electric. The six-time All-Star is putting up 30.7 points per game while shooting 49.3% from the field and 38.3% from deep. He’s also averaging 5.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in just over 30 minutes a night.
That’s elite production by any standard, and it’s kept the Cavs competitive even as the roster around him has been in constant flux. But with Mitchell out, the Cavs will need to find offense elsewhere - and fast.
Looking Ahead
The rematch with Chicago now becomes a test of Cleveland’s depth and resilience. Without their top scorer and several key contributors, the Cavs will lean heavily on Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and a group of young players still finding their NBA footing.
It’s not the ideal scenario, but as Atkinson said, these are the moments that reveal what kind of team you really are.