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The Cleveland Cavaliers will be without All-Star Donovan Mitchell against the Miami Heat on Sunday due to a fractured nose.
The Cavaliers are coming off a tough 104-91 loss to the third-ranked team in the West, the Minnesota Timberwolves, on Friday on the road. The loss extended their losing streak to two after the narrow 107-104 defeat against the Miami Heat on Wednesday.
In March, the team has gone 5-7 with a net rating of -2.6, including an offensive rating of 112.4 and a defensive rating of 115.0 on 45.3% shooting from the field and 39.1% from beyond the arc.
Donovan Mitchell injury update
Donovan Mitchell’s progress has been slowed down by a nasal fracture sustained during a game against the Houston Rockets on March 16. Mitchell underwent a medical procedure, with plans for reassessment scheduled for the following week.
Nevertheless, there seems to be a glimmer of hope for the five-time All-Star. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Mitchell is now 'prioritizing the playoffs' for his comeback.
Since the All-Star break, Mitchell has participated in just two games. Cleveland has encountered significant challenges in his absence, going 10-11 for the season without him.
After the All-Star break, they are 4-8, slipping to the third spot in the Eastern Conference standings. The Milwaukee Bucks have overtaken them for the No. 2 spot in the East, with Mitchell's absence a significant factor in Cleveland's slide.
What happened to Donovan Mitchell?
Mitchell's return following a seven-game absence caused by a bone bruise and subsequent platelet-rich plasma injection in his left knee has faced setbacks.
During a collision beneath the basket in the third quarter against the Rockets, Mitchell sustained a blow to the face that caused him to have a broken nose.
Despite this setback, Mitchell did return to the game, finishing the evening with 13 points, three rebounds and two assists. However, his post-game comments suggested his dissatisfaction with the situation.
The 27-year-old's struggles were highlighted by his 9-for-29 shooting performance in his last two games.
With Donovan out, there's an increased reliance on Darius Garland, who is expected to play a pivotal role against the Miami Heat.
Guess the Lakers players!
