Kofi Inkoom
The Cleveland Cavaliers are navigating a mixed bag of injury news ahead of their in-season tournament game against the Detroit Pistons.
Starting point guard Darius Garland is set to return after missing one game due to a neck strain, while leading scorer Donovan Mitchell is sidelined with a hamstring strain.
Garland, initially listed as questionable, has received the green light to play in the upcoming home game on Friday. Conversely, Mitchell, with a right hamstring issue, will be absent as the team exercises caution.
In Mitchell’s absence, Dean Wade earns another spot start, and Max Strus shifts positions to join Garland in the starting backcourt.
Mitchell, boasting the seventh-highest NBA season average of 29.2 points, will be missed on the court.
He maintains impressive shooting percentages of 48.6% from the field and 39.3% from 3-point range, playing an average of 36.2 minutes per game.
After the Pistons game, Cleveland continues its homestand against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, with uncertainty surrounding Mitchell’s availability.
The team’s cautious approach reflects a commitment to managing Mitchell’s recent injuries and ensuring a measured return to play.