Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) goes up to shoot between Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (23) and guard Anthony Black (0) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. (Image via AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) The Cleveland Cavaliers head into their January 26, 2026 game against the Orlando Magic with some uncertainty around availability across the roster, but Donovan Mitchell is not one of the listed concerns. As of the latest update, Mitchell is not on the injury report and is expected to play unless a late issue arises.That matters for Cleveland. The Cavaliers are already missing key rotation players, and Mitchell remains the focal point of their offense. His recent performance against Orlando only reinforces how much Cleveland depends on him, especially in close games.
What Happened in the Last Meeting
Mitchell was the difference in Cleveland’s January 25 win over Orlando. After a steady first half, he took over late, scoring 27 points after halftime and 20 across the final two quarters. Orlando struggled to slow him down once Cleveland leaned fully into isolation and high-usage sets.This season, Mitchell is averaging 24.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists while hitting just over three three-pointers per game. He has also made 162 threes, the most in the league. Cleveland has gone 10-4 since late December, with Mitchell leading the scoring in most of those wins.
Donovan Mitchell’s Current Injury Situation vs Orlando Magic (January 26, 2026)
Donovan Mitchell has no injury designation for January 26. Earlier speculation about illness is no longer relevant, and current reports focus on other Cavaliers dealing with health issues.PlayerStatusInjurySeason Averages (PPG/Reb/APG) Donovan Mitchell (CLE) Likely Available None Listed 24.3 / 4.5 / 5.7 Darius Garland (CLE) OUT Right Toe N/A De’Andre Hunter (CLE) QUESTIONABLE Right Knee N/A Franz Wagner (ORL) OUT Left Ankle N/AOrlando is also short-handed without Franz Wagner, which limits their scoring options on the wing and puts more pressure on their perimeter defense.
Why Donovan Mitchell’s Availability Matters for the Cleveland Cavaliers
This game closes a quick home-and-home between the fifth-place Cleveland Cavaliers and the seventh-place Orlando Magic, with Cleveland holding a 2.5-game edge in the standings. With Darius Garland and Max Strus out, Mitchell carries even more responsibility as a scorer and playmaker.Orlando has already seen how hard he is to contain when Cleveland gives him space late in games. If Mitchell plays, the Cavaliers will again rely on his ability to create shots, control tempo, and close.Also read: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Orlando Magic injury report: Who’s playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more(January 26, 2026)
What Fans Should Expect
There is no indication Mitchell will sit. If that holds, Cleveland’s game plan stays the same: put the ball in his hands and live with the results. For Orlando, the task is simple but difficult – limit Mitchell’s runs and force the Cavaliers to beat them another way.