The Cleveland Cavaliers have made it official: Donovan Mitchell is doubtful to play on Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies due to his groin injury.
Earlier, Cavs head coach JB Bickerstaff sparked concerns about Mitchell’s status for the game after he revealed that the superstar guard was unable to practice on Tuesday because of his groin strain. The veteran tactician also admitted he’s unsure of the severity of the injury and if Mitchell will be able to join the team in their trip to Memphis.
Mitchell sustained the groin issue during their showdown with the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday. He played for 22 minutes and scored 11 points. While he was able to return to the bench, he ended up sitting out as the Cavs escaped with a 113-103 win.
While Donovan Mitchell has not been totally ruled out, the latest updates are certainly not encouraging. The fact that he’s listed as doubtful instead of questionable also signifies there’s a bigger chance he sits out their showdown with Ja Morant and co.
Sure enough, Mitchell’s possible absence is a brutal blow to an up-and-down Cleveland team. While the Cavs in the Top 5 in the East, they have actually won just six of their last 10 games. They are also 9-13 on the road this 2022-23 campaign, and they will be facing a Grizzlies squad that is 19-3 so far at home.
If Mitchell ends up missing the Memphis trip, Cavs fans can only hope that he would be able to make a quick return. After the Grizzlies, they play the Golden State Warriors on Friday and the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday.