Donovan Mitchell’s Anticipated Return Boosts Cavaliers’ Playoff Hopes
Apr 13, 2025, 02:01 PM ET
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers are breathing a sigh of relief as their star guard, Donovan Mitchell, is expected to be ready for the playoffs. Despite missing the last four games of the regular season due to a sprained left ankle, Mitchell’s return is highly anticipated by fans and teammates alike.
The injury occurred on April 6 during the second half of a game against the Sacramento Kings. Since then, Mitchell has been diligently working on his recovery. He was seen working out on the court before Sunday’s game against the Indiana Pacers, following a full workout at the team’s training facility on Saturday.
Coach Kenny Atkinson shared his optimism about Mitchell’s progress, stating, “I think he’ll be full on with practice. We’re going to have to scrimmage at some point, probably intersquad with refs, so he’ll participate in that. The most important thing is how we build him up with the ankle rehab and then conditioning.”
Mitchell’s absence was felt as he was one of nine players, including four starters, whom Cleveland sat out for Sunday’s regular-season finale. However, the Cavaliers have managed to secure an impressive record of 63-18, earning them the top seed in the Eastern Conference for only the fourth time in franchise history and the first since their NBA title win in 2016.
As the No. 1 seed, Cleveland’s first playoff game is not expected to be until April 20. This is because the eighth seed in the East won’t be determined until the final play-in tournament games on Friday. This gives Mitchell a few more days to ensure he’s in top form for the playoffs.
Mitchell has been a crucial player for the Cavaliers, leading the team in scoring with an average of 24 points per game. Notably, he is the only player in the NBA averaging at least 24 points in 32 minutes or fewer, highlighting his efficiency and importance to the team.
- Donovan Mitchell’s injury: Sprained left ankle
- Injury date: April 6 against the Sacramento Kings
- Expected return: Playoffs starting April 20
- Cavaliers’ record: 63-18
- Eastern Conference top seed: First time since 2016
With Mitchell’s return on the horizon, the Cavaliers are poised to make a strong playoff run. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see if the team can replicate their 2016 success and bring another championship to Cleveland. The anticipation is palpable, and all eyes will be on Mitchell as he steps back onto the court, ready to lead his team to victory.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
