The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing some significant challenges as they prepare for Friday's matchup against the Detroit Pistons. Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who missed Wednesday’s game against Milwaukee, will be absent once again due to a right groin strain.
Without Mitchell, a seven-time All-Star, the Cavs have managed a 2-3 record this season. His last appearance was against New York, where he delivered a solid performance with 23 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals in just 31 minutes.
Mitchell has been a powerhouse for Cleveland, maintaining impressive averages of 28.5 points, 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, with shooting splits of .483/.369/.852 over 55 games this season. His absence is certainly a blow to the team’s offensive and defensive dynamics.
Adding to the Cavaliers' woes, Mitchell’s new backcourt partner, James Harden, is also dealing with an injury. Harden has been sidelined with a non-displaced fracture in his right thumb.
He was seen leaving the locker room with his thumb heavily wrapped after being inactive on Wednesday. His status for the upcoming game remains questionable.
The injury list doesn’t stop there. Keon Ellis is nursing a fractured left index finger, and his participation against the Pistons is uncertain. Both Harden and Ellis have injuries to their non-shooting hands, which might lessen the impact on their gameplay, but only time will tell how they adapt.
Additionally, point guard Dennis Schröder and forward Dean Wade are both dealing with right ankle sprains, leaving them questionable for Friday’s contest. The Cavaliers will need to dig deep into their roster to manage these injuries and maintain their competitiveness in the upcoming games.