Donovan Mitchell has started off his fourth season with the Cleveland Cavaliers strong. Throughout his first four games, the 29-year-old guard has once again been the team’s primary scoring option. Mitchell has posted 31.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 56.4% from the field and 35.5% from three-point range.
After losing on opening night, the Cavaliers have won three straight games through Mitchell’s efforts. Cleveland remains the favorite to secure the top seed in the Eastern Conference, but the organization is focused on more than regular-season success. After back-to-back exits in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Cavaliers are determined to break through and make a deeper playoff run.
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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45)© David Richard-Imagn Images
Early in the season, Mitchell’s efforts have been incredibly important due to the injuries the roster has endured. Point guard Darius Garland and small forward Max Strus have yet to make their debut this year, and shooting guard Sam Merrill is also set to miss extended time.
On Wednesday, Mitchell was added to the team’s growing list of injuries. The Cavaliers announced their official injury report to the NBA ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Boston Celtics, and Mitchell’s name appeared just hours before tipoff. He was listed as questionable with left hamstring tightness.
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Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson revealed that Mitchell would still suit up despite the injury designation. “He will definitely go out there and try it,” Atkinson said (h/t Bobby Krivitsky of Forbes).
Although Mitchell will be in uniform, his status will continue to be monitored. Despite appearing in the first four games for Cleveland, it is concerning that his hamstring has continued to bother him. Danny Cunningham of The Inside Stack first reported that Mitchell’s hamstring setback occurred on Oct. 22 against the New York Knicks. “Donovan Mitchell appeared to be grabbing at his left hamstring. He called for a sub and is being looked at right now on the baseline,” Cunningham wrote one week ago.
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It is likely that Mitchell may need some time to rest once his teammates return, giving him a chance to ensure his hamstring is fully healthy. Atkinson’s comments suggest the injury is not a huge concern, but it will definitely be worth monitoring. Mitchell remains the most important player on the Cavaliers. He is a six-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection, yet he is still searching for team success, having never reached the NBA Finals in his nine-year career.
Related: Cavaliers Share Darius Garland Injury Update Before Knicks Game
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.