Mitchell is listed as probable due to illness heading into Monday’s matchup against Charlotte. He did not suit up in Friday’s loss to the Chicago Bulls, forcing the Cavaliers to adjust their rotation on short notice. His availability remains a key storyline, as Cleveland’s offensive identity changes significantly when he is not on the court.

With Mitchell sidelined on Friday, Tyrese Proctor stepped into the rotation and delivered a solid performance, finishing with 16 points, six rebounds, three assists, and one steal. If Mitchell suffers any setback, Proctor would likely remain in the starting lineup, although that scenario could shift if Sam Merrill, who is also listed as probable with a hand injury, returns after missing the last 14 games.

Darius Garland, coming off a 35-point outing, should continue to see an increase in scoring opportunities if Mitchell cannot return to the floor. That potential boost becomes even more relevant against the Hornets, who rank among the weakest defensive teams in the NBA this season.

Mitchell’s numbers

The Cavaliers have relied heavily on Mitchell throughout the campaign. They are 8–1 when he scores 35 points or more and 0–5 when he plays and finishes with 21 points or fewer. In games he has missed entirely, the Cavaliers are 1–2, underscoring just how central he is to their success.

Mitchell has been one of the few consistent bright spots for Cleveland this season. He has elevated his game by posting career highs in scoring, averaging 30.8 points per game, while also improving his overall efficiency. His presence not only boosts the Cavaliers’ offense, but also creates cleaner looks for his teammates.

Cavaliers dealing with major absences

The Cavaliers enter this matchup shorthanded. They will be without Evan Mobley with a calf injury, Larry Nance Jr. also sidelined by a calf issue, Max Strus out with a foot injury, and Luke Travers and Chris Livingston assigned to the G League. These absences remove several key pieces from the regular rotation and place even more pressure on Cleveland’s remaining core as they prepare to face Charlotte.

There is growing concern surrounding the latest injury report, as Mitchell is ruled out with an illness. The star guard did play on Wednesday night and led the Cavaliers with 32 points on 11 of 23 shooting from the field. Just one week earlier, Mitchell exploded for 48 points against the Washington Wizards, underlining his importance to Cleveland’s offense.

There is no major long-term injury history causing alarm. The ninth-year guard has missed only two games this NBA season and has appeared in every contest since November 13. Mitchell has been a central reason the Cavaliers remain in the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference, particularly while Darius Garland has missed significant time due to a toe injury.

The Cavaliers enter the matchup with a 15-13 record, but recent form has been troubling. They have dropped two straight games and have already lost four times in December. That stretch includes a 16-point loss to the Bulls on Wednesday, a result that raised further concerns about Cleveland’s consistency on both ends of the floor.

Mitchell’s numbers

Mitchell has logged a team-high 34.4 minutes per game this season and continues to shoulder most of the offensive workload for Cleveland. The six-time All-Star is averaging 30.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 49.3 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from three-point range.

A rough stretch for the Cavaliers

The Cavaliers have struggled to find rhythm lately, posting a 3-7 record over their last 10 games. Garland has had difficulty regaining his top form, averaging just 15.7 points per game while shooting 27.4 percent from three during that span, both well below his career averages.

Cleveland also absorbed another blow on December 13, when center Evan Mobley was ruled out for two to four weeks with a calf strain, according to Shams Charania. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year has been the backbone of the Cavaliers’ defense, and with his absence, center Jarrett Allen takes on an even greater role as the team’s primary rim protector.

According to the latest NBA injury report, the Cavaliers have listed Mitchell as questionable due to left hamstring tightness for tonight’s contest against the Raptors. However, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Kenny Atkinson confirmed that Mitchell will miss his first game of the season.

Mitchell was also listed on the injury report for the previous contest against the Celtics, but he ultimately played, logging 32 minutes. However, he struggled in the 125-105 defeat, posting a season-low of 15 points, along with four rebounds and six assists.

The 29-year-old All-Star is the clear offensive engine for the Cavaliers, especially with co-star Darius Garland sidelined as he recovers from left great toe surgery. Through five games this season, Mitchell is averaging a prolific 28.0 points, 2.4, rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.

Another key player will be sidelined tonight

In addition to Mitchell, big man Jarrett Allen will also miss tonight’s game due to left hand finger fracture. This is a severe blow to Cleveland, who already have a roster significantly depleted by injuries.

The Cavaliers currently have several important contributors out due to injury. Both Darius Garland and Max Strus, who is recovering from surgery on his left foot, have yet to debut this season. Furthermore, Sam Merrill is also sidelined with a right hip contusion, further limiting Coach Kenny Atkinson’s available rotation.

According to the latest NBA injury report, the Cavaliers have listed Mitchell as questionable due to left hamstring tightness. The six-time All-Star has played in all four of the Cavaliers’ games so far, averaging a prolific 31.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.

If Mitchell is unable to take the floor, it would be a substantial loss for the Cavaliers, who are already playing short-handed. The team cannot count on Darius Garland (surgery recovery), Max Strus (surgery recovery), or Sam Merrill (right hip contusion).

However, Mitchell offered a small dose of optimism to Cleveland fans by posting the phrase “#LetEmKnow” on his X (formerly Twitter) account, a message he typically shares on game days.

Boston’s star also facing availability questions

Based on the most recent NBA injury report, the Celtics listed Jaylen Brown as probable (left hamstring strain and injury management) for tonight’s game. The four-time All-Star has appeared in every single Celtics contest, serving as the primary offensive option following Jayson Tatum’s absence, who is rehabilitating from Achilles tendon surgery.

Brown has been playing through a hamstring strain since the season began, but after the Celtics stumbled to a miserable 0-3 start, the Boston star publicly stated he wasn’t planning to sit until his team got things back on track.

They successfully snapped that skid against the Pelicans, a contest where Brown managed 15 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in 21 minutes. Now that they have finally secured their first win of the season, coach Joe Mazzulla may opt to rest Brown for tonight’s contest.

In a recent interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio, Atkinson spoke specifically about Evan Mobley and praised the progress the young forward made last season. “Evan had to stretch out his game a little. He’s no Eddie Johnson, but he’s getting there,” the coach began.

Breaking down aspects of Mobley’s evolving skill set, Atkinson added: “He shot 38 percent from three. You saw him in different ways, even shooting some off-the-dribble threes, and he can spread the floor.”

The forward clearly had his best NBA season yet. Mobley was a key piece for the Cavaliers and posted career highs in several categories, including points per game (18.5) and assists (3.2). His performance earned him his first All-Star selection, as well as the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

While Atkinson acknowledged Mobley’s strong numbers, he made it clear that the 23-year-old still has room to grow. “I think he’s gotta get stronger, right? But he’s 23. Everybody wants it now, but it’s gonna take some time.”

If he continues developing at this rate, Mobley could soon join the league’s elite. Atkinson made that prediction without hesitation: “Wait till this guy is 26 years old. I don’t wanna oversell it, but he’s gonna be an MVP candidate. I don’t see a world where that doesn’t happen.”

During the 2024–25 regular season, the Cleveland Cavaliers were the top team in the Eastern Conference, finishing with an impressive 64–18 record. While they ultimately fell short in the playoffs—eliminated in the semifinals by the Indiana Pacers—their regular-season dominance highlighted the team’s long-term potential.

Mobley was a major contributor to Cleveland’s success, as Atkinson emphasized. But he wasn’t the only standout. Point guard Darius Garland also earned an All-Star nod thanks to his strong regular-season play, while Donovan Mitchell remained the team’s top star.

The 28-year-old shooting guard led Cleveland in scoring, averaging 24.0 points per game, along with 5.0 assists and 4.5 rebounds. His efforts earned him a fifth-place finish in MVP voting behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jayson Tatum.

If Kenny Atkinson’s bold prediction comes true and Evan Mobley reaches true superstar status in the coming years, his rise—combined with Mitchell’s elite production—could firmly establish the Cavaliers as contenders in the Eastern Conference for years to come.

In one of their most notable moves, the Cavaliers traded forward Isaac Okoro to acquire veteran point guard Lonzo Ball. The trade bolsters Cleveland’s depth at the guard position, providing a strong secondary option behind Darius Garland. Days after the transaction, Ball broke his silence and shared his excitement about joining a team with NBA championship aspirations.

Speaking on the podcast What an Experience, the 27-year-old point guard discussed his mindset heading into this new chapter in his career. “Just playing, competing for a ring. I feel like that should be the goal—I feel like that is the goal,” Ball said. “So, happy to get over there and get started. To meet everybody, get familiar with everything, and take it as far as we can.”

Ball went on to express his gratitude for the opportunity to compete on a playoff-caliber roster. “I feel like it’s just a blessing, bro. To be honest, I mean, everybody keeps asking me how I feel about the trade. I’m like, s***, I’m happy to still be playing anywhere—let alone for a team that has a real chance to win a ring. My whole life, I feel like I’ve been playing the right brand of basketball, and that’s to win games. So I feel like I’m going to a great situation, and I just want to play my role and do what I can to help.”

Prior to landing in Cleveland, Ball spent four seasons with the Chicago Bulls. Unfortunately, he missed two full campaigns due to recurring knee and wrist injuries that threatened to derail his career. He made his long-awaited return in the 2024–25 season, appearing in 25 games for Chicago.

During that stretch, Ball averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 36.6% from the field and 34.4% from beyond the arc. Though his playing time was limited, the flashes of his two-way potential were enough to earn him a fresh start with a rising contender.

With Ball now in the fold and the core of Mitchell, Garland, and Evan Mobley still intact, the Cavaliers are positioning themselves to take a meaningful step forward. The hope in Cleveland is that this revamped backcourt rotation can help push the team deeper into the postseason in 2026.

“When we beat Golden State at home after being up 40… And then the West road trip going 4-0. Denver, Golden State, [Los Angeles] Lakers, Dallas. We beat Denver. We’re handling business. It’s close games. It’s blowouts. It’s so many different ways to win. It’s come-from-behind. That’s when I was like, ‘Okay, we got something special for sure,” stated Donovan Mitchell.

Although that game was crucial for their NBA season, Donovan Mitchell did not have his best scoring performance as he finished with just 12 points. However, that moment changed everything for the team. It gave them the confidence to play at the level they’ve shown ever since. Moreover, Mitchell’s strong form has fueled their recent success. He leads the franchise in scoring average and remains one of the main reasons behind this excellent stretch.

Donovan Mitchell stood out as the team’s most impactful player in Game 1 of the playoffs. He delivered 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Statistically, he was the top performer on the court. Even so, he did not dwell on the individual praise. Instead, he emphasized the value of teammates like Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Max Strus. He also credited head coach Kenny Atkinson for playing a key role in the team’s development.

Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson receives a major award for his NBA season

Kenny Atkinson received the NBCA Coach of the Year award. Coaches like JJ Redick, Mark Daigneault, and Joe Mazzulla also had incredible seasons. However, Atkinson stood out for one key reason, his ability to transform his team. He reinvented the roster and built one of the most efficient squads in the league. Evan Mobley led the defense with a Defensive Player of the Year-level impact.

Cleveland did not dominate only on defense. The Cavaliers also lead the NBA in offensive rating (121.0), points per game (121.9), and true shooting percentage (60.7). Their balance on both ends of the court has made them one of the most dangerous teams this season. Despite he received the NBCA Award, this is not the official NBA Coach of the Year award. That honor will be announced later and remains up for grabs. But if the Cavaliers win the championship, Atkinson will have a strong case to take it home.

“Steph at the one. Kobe at the two. MJ at the three. Bron at the four… KD at the five,” Mitchell said on the New Heights podcast with NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce. “I’m playing 2025 basketball. I’m not really going traditional. I’m going small ball.”

That last sentence is the key. Because Mitchell’s list isn’t just about greatness—it’s about evolution.

Generational vision: Skill over size

Mitchell’s lineup speaks directly to today’s basketball ethos: fluid, fast, and fueled by skill. Gone are the rigid positions of the past. In their place? Five players who can all dribble, pass, shoot, and guard multiple spots.

Putting Kevin Durant at the five would’ve been unthinkable in the ‘90s or early 2000s. Today, it’s visionary. It’s the kind of basketball being played at the highest levels: small-ball lineups, perimeter-oriented spacing, and stretch bigs who are just as dangerous 28 feet from the rim as they are in the paint.

Curry, Kobe, Jordan, LeBron, and Durant aren’t just legends—they’re the prototypes for how basketball is played now. Their athleticism, shot creation, and defensive versatility make them perfect for a game defined by tempo and spacing. Mitchell’s choices reflect how today’s stars view dominance: not just by stats or accolades, but by adaptability and impact across all areas of the floor.

Omissions and meaning: Rewriting the legacy lens

But just as revealing as who is on the list is who isn’t. No Shaquille O’Neal. No Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. No Magic Johnson.

These aren’t just greats—they’re foundational icons. For decades, any all-time five felt incomplete without a dominant big man or Magic orchestrating the offense. But Mitchell’s exclusion of traditional giants underscores how even elite players are rethinking the NBA game’s hierarchy.

Mitchell isn’t disrespecting the legends—he’s reflecting how the function of greatness has changed. A 7’2” center who couldn’t stretch the floor or switch defensively doesn’t offer the same versatility in today’s game. Likewise, Magic’s brilliance as a playmaker is undeniable, but in a pace-and-space era where every player needs to be a scoring threat, Mitchell opts for Curry’s gravity and shooting instead.

His picks suggest a reevaluation of what it means to be dominant. It’s no longer just about resume—it’s about fit, flexibility, and how a player’s skills translate across eras.

“I’m gonna put this on me. When your leader ain’t doing s—, this is what happens,“ Mitchell said candidly. “Yeah, we have to guard better, rebound, and all that, but if I’m not being who I need to be, then we’re not gonna get to where we want to go. I will be better.”

While many players might be content with a 56-win season and the top seed in the East, Mitchell is holding himself accountable and is determined to turn things around.

“It’s just one of those moments that builds character,“ he added. “As much as it sucks, I’d rather it happen now. But I work too damn hard to just give in to this. We gotta keep pushing and keep plugging. I’ll be better—I have no doubt. But until I am, here we are.”

Cavs’ recent skid

The Cavaliers have been one of the league’s most potent offenses all season, but Mitchell’s struggles have hampered their scoring output. With losses to the Magic, Clippers, Kings, and Suns in their last four games, Cleveland looks like a different team compared to the dominant squad that ripped off 15 straight wins earlier in the season.

However, from another perspective, this slump could be a blessing in disguise. The Cavaliers have time to correct their mistakes and regain momentum before the playoffs—unlike last year when they suffered an early postseason exit at the hands of the New York Knicks. A late-season reality check could prepare them to make a stronger statement when it matters most.

Mitchell’s recent performance

Despite denying any lingering issues from his recent groin injury, Mitchell hasn’t looked like himself over the last five NBA games. Since March 9 against the Bucks, he’s averaging 17.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game while shooting just 29.2% from the field—well below his usual standards.

If the Cavaliers hope to get back on track before the playoffs, Mitchell will need to find his rhythm soon. And based on his own words, he’s more than ready to take on that challenge.

Garland, who delivered a standout performance in a recent win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, reflected on the team’s journey during an interview on The Draymond Green Show.

“To be completely honest with you, I would say this summer we really got locked in and knew what we wanted to do and accomplish,” Garland shared. “Donovan knew I was upset about last year—not just with my performance but also from a team perspective. We just sat down and talked, really explained to each other what we had to do to win. It was a grown-man conversation, unfolding everything. That was the first grown-man conversation I’ve had in the league so far.”

Cleveland’s success this season is no coincidence. The franchise has taken significant strides, not only in terms of on-court performance but also in fostering chemistry and accountability among its players. Mitchell’s leadership has been pivotal, helping the Cavaliers bounce back after falling short against the Boston Celtics in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals.

The stats that define growth

Mitchell’s individual numbers have slightly dipped—23.1 points and 4.5 assists per game compared to 26.6 points and 6.1 assists last season—but his impact on the Cavaliers transcends stats. He has embraced a leadership role, prioritizing team success over personal accolades.

Meanwhile, Garland has elevated his game, averaging 21.2 points (up from 18.0 last season) and 6.8 assists (up from 6.5). His growth as both a scorer and playmaker has been instrumental in complementing Mitchell’s leadership, solidifying their backcourt as one of the NBA’s most dynamic duos.

A balanced team effort

The Cavaliers’ success isn’t just about their stars—it’s the result of contributions across the roster. Cleveland has developed a balanced attack, thriving on both ends of the court. Mitchell’s willingness to share the spotlight and Garland’s improvements have created a cohesive and efficient unit.

Eyes on the prize

Last season’s Eastern Conference Finals loss served as a wake-up call for the Cavaliers, fueling their determination to excel this year. With sights set firmly on the NBA Finals, the Cavaliers are proving that strong leadership, accountability, and team chemistry are the keys to unlocking their potential.

If Cleveland continues on this path, they won’t just be remembered for their stars but for embodying the essence of teamwork and resilience—a franchise rising to greatness, one win at a time.

During an appearance on Inside the NBA before Tuesday’s game against the Indiana Pacers, O’Neal praised the Cleveland Cavaliers‘ performance this season. “I think they’re the best team in the East,” he declared, leaving his fellow analysts visibly surprised.

When pressed with the question, “Over Boston?” Shaq didn’t hesitate. “Yes, I do,” he affirmed, before elaborating on his reasoning. He suggested that the Celtics garner more attention due to their reputation and status as perennial contenders. “I think Boston gets a little bit more props because they’re the champion,” O’Neal explained.

Shaq praises Kenny Atkinson’s leadership

One of the key reasons for O’Neal’s praise was the Cavaliers’ head coach, Kenny Atkinson. He lauded Atkinson’s ability to bring out the best in his players, describing him as a coach who empowers his team. “As a leader, you always say you want your guys to play hard,” Shaquille explained. “There’s one way to make them play hard: let them eat, let them eat.”

The Hall of Famer elaborated on this concept: “When you let a guy eat, he’s gonna do things that you never even know he can do. And that’s why you have seven guys in double figures.”

O’Neal also highlighted Atkinson’s ability to foster a team-oriented atmosphere. “When you step back a little and get everyone involved, when your guys feel like they’re part of the success … it’s going to be a tough team to beat,” he concluded.

Donovan Mitchell leads Cleveland

O’Neal emphasized the Cavaliers’ impressive depth and internal competition this season, pointing to the outstanding numbers across their roster. However, he reserved special praise for one of the team’s standout stars.

“The way this Donovan (Mitchell) kid is playing…” Shaq began, before admitting his past criticism of the guard. “I’ve been hard on him the last three years—hard to the point where people think I don’t like him,” he confessed.

Mitchell, however, has silenced any doubts with his stellar performances this season. Averaging 22.8 points per game, he leads the Cavaliers in scoring and ranks 28th in the league. Additionally, Donovan ranks second on the team in assists, trailing only Darius Garland, and is fourth in rebounding—showcasing his all-around impact on Cleveland’s success.

Cavaliers cement their place in the East

The Cavaliers have continued to prove themselves as one of the strongest teams in the league. Prior to Sunday’s loss to the Indiana Pacers, Cleveland had recorded a season-high 12-game winning streak. However, they bounced back on Tuesday with a 127-117 victory against Indiana, solidifying their position at the top of the Eastern Conference standings with an impressive 34-5 record.

With a deep roster, strong leadership, and a star player in Mitchell, the Cavaliers have emerged as a legitimate contender in the East. And with Shaquille O’Neal’s seal of approval, the spotlight is firmly on Cleveland as the team to watch this season.