Kofi Inkoom
6:30 PM : Aside Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers’ Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen and Craig Porter also OUT for Game 5 vs. Boston tonight.
11:30 AM : The Cleveland Cavaliers are bracing for Game 5 of their second-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics without star guard Donovan Mitchell, who is expected to be sidelined due to a calf strain, as reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic. This follows his absence in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Mitchell has been instrumental for the Cavaliers offensively throughout the playoffs, averaging 29.6 points and 4.7 assists per game in the team’s first 10 games. His absence puts a significant dent in the Cavaliers’ scoring ability, as he had accounted for 30.3% of their total points in the postseason.
Despite Mitchell’s contributions, the Cavaliers have struggled to reach the 100-point mark in the playoffs, achieving it only three times. Their best offensive performance came in a surprise Game 2 victory against the Celtics, where they shot 54.7% from the field and made 13 3-pointers.
Without Mitchell, their offensive capabilities are likely to be further diminished, making it challenging to keep pace with the Celtics’ high-powered offense.
The Cavaliers may opt to rely on outside shooting and hope for a hot streak to compensate for Mitchell’s absence.
A win on the road in Game 5 would give the Cavaliers a 2-3 trail in the series, extending it to at least six or seven games. Conversely, a victory for the Celtics would give them a commanding 4-1 lead and secure a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.