Donovan Mitchell’s status for Monday’s game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers is still up in the air at the time of this writing, but judging from what the Cavs star said about his health ahead of that matchup, it’s safe to say that he won’t be suiting up for the contest at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
“No disrespect but I’m not really blowing by people right now and that’s disappointing to me, that’s affecting me,” the Cavs’ high-scoring guard said (h/t Cavaliers sideline reporter Serena Winters).
“I’m probably not playing next game to be completely honest with you…Kinda just take some rest and get it right. I thought I was ready but I’m not and it sucks and I want to be out there but it’s clear as day, even to myself, I can’t fool myself…I’ll get it right and be ready when the time comes,” Mitchell added.
Cavs star Donovan Mitchell has struggled since returning from injury
Mitchell did not look himself when he finally made his return to action in last Wednesday’s 116-95 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on the road. After missing seven games, the former Louisville Cardinals star gathered only 14 points on 5-for-16 shooting from the field along with four rebounds and five assists plus a block in 28 minutes. He did not look right again on Saturday, as he struggled with his shot in a 117-103 loss to the Houston Rockets away from home.
Mitchell recorded only 13 points on a salty 4-for-13 shooting from the floor and added three rebounds, an assist, and a steal in 26 minutes. His scoring outputs in the Pelicans and Rockets games were way off his season average of 27.7 points per outing, as he might still be feeling the effects of the knee issue that got him sidelined.
The Cavs are still battling for at least the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference standings. The Boston Celtics may have already virtually won the No. 1 spot in the conference but that second place is still very much within the reach of Cleveland, which is third with a 42-25 record — just a game behind the Milwaukee Bucks. However, they will also have to be careful with the health of Mitchell, with the playoffs getting closer and closer.