Cavs Star Ill, Listed As Questionable Vs. Former Jazz Team

Cleveland Cavaliers star guard Donovan Mitchell did not participate in Wednesday morning's shootaround due to an illness.

On Wednesday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers continue their homestand against the Utah Jazz, who have won three out of their last four games behind a surge from ex-wine-and-golder Collin Sexton.

The Cavs have won back-to-back games in response to their wave of injuries to two of their Core Four players, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. 

They've come together as one over the last couple of contests, but it's been the leadership of Donovan Mitchell that has propelled the team forward during the beginning of this difficult stretch.

Unfortunately, there's a possibility that he himself may not face his former team tonight. 

Missing at Cleveland's morning shootaround, the squad added Mitchell to its injury report with an illness. The star guard is listed as questionable and will likely be a game-time decision.

If Mitchell is unable to go Wednesday night, the Cavs will have to adapt again. 

Dec 18, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) dribbles in the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse / David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Minutes at the guard spot will be up for grabs, meaning that Craig Porter Jr. could see a spot start and Sam Merrill may continue to ride his momentum from Monday.

Emoni Bates, who has been crushing it in the G League with the Cleveland Charge, could also be a candidate to see his first NBA action since Nov. 22 against the Miami Heat. 

J.B. Bickerstaff went deep into his bench on Monday evening, so if Mitchell were to miss this game, it wouldn't be surprising because Caris LeVert still has minute limitations. Plus, Max Strus will likely be needed to fill in at different positions. 

It's all dependent on matchups.