‣ Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell will miss at least one week after having surgery to repair a nasal fracture, an injury he suffered during a game against the Houston Rockets.
‣ Mitchell, a five-time All-Star, has missed 19 games this season due to various injuries, including a left knee bruise for which he received a platelet-rich plasma injection. Despite the injuries, he is averaging career highs of 5.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 27.4 points through 49 games.
‣ The Cavaliers remain in the No. 3 spot in the Eastern Conference standings, closely trailing behind the Milwaukee Bucks and ahead of the New York Knicks, with the team hosting the Miami Heat next.
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs)
Details
Cleveland’s own Donovan Mitchell, the guard for the Cavaliers, is on the bench for a bit. He had surgery on Tuesday to fix a broken nose. Ouch, right? Happened during a game against the Houston Rockets last Saturday. They lost, 117-103.
So, he’s out for at least a week. The team’s gonna check him out again in about seven days. During that Houston game, he got a bloody nose in the second half. Ended up sitting out most of the fourth quarter.
Mitchell was like, “I’m not blowing by people right now, and that’s disappointing.” He’s feeling it, you know? Wants to be out there but knows he can’t fool himself. Says they’ll get it right, be ready when the time comes.
Turns out, his knee needed more time to heal too. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s got his back, though. Says Donovan’s doing great, sharing the ball and all. Even though he’s missed some games, the coach isn’t worried. Knows Mitchell gives them a shot at winning whenever he’s on the floor.
And get this—Mitchell’s been killing it this season. Averaging career highs: 5.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists. Before the Rockets game, he missed seven straight because of a knee bruise. Got a platelet-rich plasma injection for it.
He’s sat out 19 games this season. Even missed the game against the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. But in the 49 games he did play, all starts, he’s averaging 27.4 points. Plus, those career highs I mentioned? And shooting 46.8% from the field. Not too shabby.
There’s talk about the Cavs’ roster moves this summer. Big decisions that could affect whether Mitchell stays or goes. ESPN’s Windhorst dropped that tidbit.
The Cavs are still sitting pretty in the No. 3 spot in the Eastern Conference. Just a game behind the Milwaukee Bucks. And they’ve got a two-game lead over the New York Knicks.
After their loss, the Pacers dropped to the No. 7 seed. The Philadelphia 76ers, who just beat the Miami Heat, passed them. They’re two games behind the fifth-seeded Orlando Magic.
Next up, the Cavaliers are hosting the Heat on Wednesday. Wonder how that’ll go down.
