Shams Charania of ESPN announced on the Pat McAfee show that Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell will be a game-time decision for Game Five between the Pacers and Cavaliers tomorrow night. With the Cavaliers down 3-1 to Indiana, it would be a massive blow for their comeback hopes if Mitchell isn’t ready to go.
Donovan Mitchell reaggravated his ankle
Mitchell underwent an MRI after injuring his left ankle during halftime of Game Four. The Cavaliers ended up getting blown out by the Pacers in Game Four by a final score of 129-103. The Cavaliers were really never in the Game after Mitchell left with his ankle injury, trailing by 40+ points at times.
Being down 3-1 to Indiana and not having Donovan Mitchell will put a huge dent in their game plan for Game Five. The Cavaliers have the offensive potential to make up for Mitchell’s offense, but they’re by far worse without him than with him. The Cavaliers will need Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen to step up if Mitchell cannot go.
Mitchell Has Been a Monster Offensively in this Series
Mitchell was awesome in Games 2-4. He scored 33, 48, and 43 points in those three games. He is the driver of this Cavaliers offense, and it goes when he goes. He’s one of the most dynamic players in the NBA, and when he’s not on the court, you can see it. Take Game Four, for example. The Cavs were simply not the same team when he was out.
It’s going to take a team effort for the Cavs to beat the Pacers if Mitchell cannot go. The good thing for Cleveland is that they have enough scoring depth to cover for Mitchell for at least a game. Relying on secondary scoring to carry that much offensively for multiple games is a huge ask.
Donovan Mitchell Is A Game-Time Decision, Not Ruled Out
The biggest thing here is realizing the difference between a game-time decision and being ruled completely out. Mitchell being ruled a game-time decision tells us that, at least internally, the Cavs believe his injury isn’t serious enough for him to miss multiple games. This is not always the case, but a game-time decision designation is always more encouraging than being ruled out.
If Donovan Mitchell is ruled out for Game Five, it’ll sting, but if Cleveland can win Game Five, there’s a pretty good chance he’ll be back for Game Six. All Cleveland fans can do now is pray.
