Status Of Two Cavs Stars In Question Vs. Pistons
The Cleveland Cavaliers are finally home from a long four-game road trip, but they don't necessarily know if they'll have their regular starting five together for the second straight game.
Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell are both being listed as questionable heading into Friday's night's NBA In-Season Tournament group-play matchup with the Detroit Pistons.
Garland missed the West Coast swing's finale in Portland due to a neck strain and is still dealing with that injury now. He sustained it on Monday evening against the Sacramento Kings when JaVale McGee inadvertently caught him on the back of the head mid-air. Garland fell to the floor, colliding with Evan Mobley's knee/shin.
Mitchell, on the other hand, did play in the last game of the roadie and had a nice bounce-back effort against the Blazers a couple of nights ago. He poured in 34 points and went 65 percent from the field, notching six rebounds and dishing out four assists.
Unfortunately, Mitchell left late in the game with a hamstring injury. After a possession where he had a nice dunk in transition, he appeared to signal for a sub when Jerami Grant got an easy lay-in and walked off the floor as Cleveland called for a timeout.
"Don't think it's bad," one source close to the team told Cavs Insider of Mitchell's hamstring tweak.
Apr 18, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) and guard Donovan Mitchell (45) reacts after a basket during the second quarter against the New York Knicks in game two of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Between Garland and Mitchell, it's another potential missed game to establish a rhythm with a revamped offensive system and new pieces.
To make matters worse, the Cavs will be without Isaac Okoro for the sixth straight game as he battles an ailing left knee, a product of wear and tear Cavs Insider learned. Ty Jerome is still dealing with a sprained right ankle as well and hasn't played since Cleveland's home opener in late October.
Another opportunity for two-way contract rookie Craig Porter Jr. could await, as the wine-and-gold's guard room is quite depleted at the moment. Depending on what happens, Caris LeVert may have to yet again shoulder a large load of work.
