The Cleveland Cavaliers are on the road once again, reflecting their hungry mindset. Donovan Mitchell and Co. are riding a three-game winning streak, and it’s safe to say they’ve fully recovered from a disastrous West Coast trip. Their next challenge is a formidable Detroit Pistons team that has been in great form lately. The Pistons have won four of their last five games and boast a solid 41-32 record for the season to cement a playoff seat. So, it will be a stern test for the Cavaliers tonight as they head to the Little Caesars Arena. Well, the Cavaliers have their confidence back after a rough patch, especially after an impressive victory over San Antonio. But can they continue to keep up the momentum as questions on the big names arise?
However, the Cavaliers are confident. Jarrett Allen led the charge for Cleveland, dropping a 29-point and 15-rebound game. However, he was not the only one who had a great night; Donovan Mitchell was pretty close to a triple-double. The Cavs’ shooting guard scored 25 points, along with 14 assists and 8 rebounds on the night. These performances seem impressive, more so because Cleveland was missing their forward, Evan Mobley. The team will hope their star is back in action tonight. Furthermore, there’s also concern about whether Donovan Mitchell can play on two consecutive nights after returning from a groin injury. Will Mitchell and Mobley suit up tonight?
Cleveland Cavaliers injury report ahead of their clash with the Pistons
The Cavaliers had a tough week before they made a comeback. A significant reason for their poor form was their superstar shooting guard, Donovan Mitchell not being completely healthy. The 28-year-old was struggling from a groin injury and was playing well below his usual standards. However, Mitchell has also made a strong comeback, with his team returning to winning ways. His performance in the last game puts all the concerns about his abilities to rest! However, can Donovan Mitchell play in back-to-back games? Absolutely.
The Cavaliers’ superstar not being on the injury report (though the official report is yet to come) indicates he’ll be available for tonight. That’s a massive boost for Cleveland, who are up against a good-looking Detroit side. Needless to say, Mitchell has been spectacular this season and led the team on the offensive end. He’s averaging 23.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. While his stats are nothing short of impressive, he brings much more to the table through his leadership. With Mitchell on the court, the Cavaliers, without a doubt, look like a more complete unit. However, even though Donovan Mitchell is back, the Cavaliers still have a lot to worry about.
Apr 12, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) and forward Evan Mobley (4) celebrate in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports.
Well, that’s because they have several other stars on the injury report. Most notable of them all is none other than big man Evan Mobley. The 23-year-old Cleveland superstar missed the team’s win over San Antonio last night after being rested for the game. Does it mean he’s back tonight after a game’s rest? Unfortunately, he’s still on the injury report. Mobley is on day-to-day, and a decision on him will be made before tip-off in Detroit. He’s having an impressive campaign, and cries to give him the DPOY from the Cavaliers locker room are growing. He is averaging 18.7 points, 9.4 rebounds while shooting 56.8 percent from the field. Not having him on the court might be a massive blow for the Cavaliers as they look to win a fourth straight game tonight.
Do Cleveland’s injury issues end here? No. Shooting guard Ty Jerome is still on the injury list after missing last night’s matchup. He’s questionable due to an unfortunate knee injury. He’s been a handy player for the Cavaliers, averaging 12.1 points, and he will be missed tonight. Moreover, if he doesn’t play, it would mean Donovan Mitchell could have to clock in more minutes despite recently returning from an injury scare. Furthermore, Jaylon Tyson is also out with a knee injury and will not play tonight. Lastly, forward Emoni Bates is also out for tonight’s clash against the Pistons. Though the final injury report from the Cleveland side is still awaited, this makes you think, how will head coach Kenny Atkinson manage his lineup tonight?
How will the Cavaliers line up amid their injury issues?
Having Donovan Mitchell available for playing back-to-back games is great news for the Cavaliers. However, with questions over Evan Mobley and Ty Jerome’s fitness, HC Kenny Atkinson will have to keep a Plan B ready just in case they don’t suit up tonight. Well, if Mobley doesn’t play power forward, Dean Wade could see some extended minutes on the court tonight. He’s been a good backup option this season, averaging 5.4 points and 4.5 rebounds.
So, here’s how the Cavaliers could start:
Position
Starter
PG
Darius Garland
SG
Donovan Mitchell
SF
Max Struss
PF
Evan Mobley (questionable)
C
Jarrett Allen
Overall, this looks to be a great matchup. The Pistons have been playing great basketball lately, but the Cavaliers will have the upper hand tonight. That’s because the Pistons are missing their franchise player, Cade Cunningham. It would be an uphill battle for the Pistons without Cunningham, reducing their chances significantly. However, you can always expect the unexpected in the NBA. So, it will be a great game at the Little Caesars Arena tonight!
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