Cleveland Cavaliers star guard Donovan Mitchell will be sidelined for Game 4 against the Boston Celtics on Monday due to a left calf injury. This unfortunate setback poses a significant challenge for Cleveland as they aim to bounce back in the series.
Mitchell, a five-time All-Star, sustained the injury in the closing minutes of Game 3, where the Cavaliers fell to the Celtics 106-93, giving Boston a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal. Mitchell, who has been managing a left knee issue for several months, has been a key contributor for Cleveland, averaging 29.6 points per game in the postseason.
In addition to Mitchell's absence, the Cavaliers are also missing starting center Jarrett Allen, who has been sidelined for seven consecutive games due to a rib injury. Allen, who was dominant before his injury, was averaging 17.0 points and 13.8 rebounds per game.
Despite receiving treatment on the bench during Game 3, Mitchell's performance was visibly impacted, prompting his early exit from the court. The team's guard Darius Garland emphasized the importance of maintaining an aggressive approach in Mitchell's absence and highlighted the need for cohesive team play.
Mitchell, who arrived at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse two hours before tip-off, has been a scoring force against the Celtics, averaging 31.7 points and shooting 53.3% from beyond the arc. His recent performances have been stellar, with an average of 36.8 points in the last five games.
Having played only 55 games this season due to his knee injury, Mitchell's availability has been a concern for the Cavaliers. Allen, who expressed a strong desire to return to the court, remains sidelined despite shooting free throws during the pregame shootaround.
On the other side, top-seeded Boston continues to miss the presence of center Kristaps Porzingis, who has been out for the last four games with a calf injury.
As the Cavaliers face a pivotal Game 4 without Mitchell and Allen, their ability to adapt and rally as a team will be crucial in their quest to even the series against the Celtics.
Source: AP NBA
