Donovan Mitchell’s status for Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics is uncertain as he continues to grapple with a muscle injury. The guard suffered a left calf strain towards the end of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semi-final on Saturday, prompting his absence from Game 4 on Monday. In Mitchell’s absence, the Cavaliers suffered a 109-102 defeat against the Celtics, who now hold a 3-1 series lead.
Following the loss at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland head coach JB Bickerstaff stated that the team is monitoring Mitchell’s fitness on a day-by-day basis.
Throughout this postseason, Mitchell has been a standout performer for the Cavaliers, leading the team in scoring on eight occasions, including an impressive 50-point performance in Game 6 of Cleveland’s first-round series against the Orlando Magic. In his ten playoff appearances in 2024, Mitchell has maintained an average of 28.6 points per game.
In addition to Mitchell, Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert are also listed as questionable for Game 5 against the Celtics. Allen has been sidelined for the Cavaliers’ last seven games due to a right rib contusion, while LeVert is dealing with a “bone bruise” in his left knee, as indicated on the official NBA injury report. Furthermore, Craig Porter is considered doubtful due to a left ankle sprain, which has kept him out of action for the past 11 games.
