The Cleveland Cavaliers had championship aspirations heading into this season after boasting the best record in the NBA last year.
They ultimately fell to the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the playoffs, but they looked to build off their dominant season that was derailed by injuries.
They got off to an extremely slow start, but they’ve begun to turn things around as of late after the addition of former MVP James Harden.
Cleveland could no longer rely on point guard Darius Garland, who missed a bulk of last year’s postseason run and a large portion of this season, so they flipped him for the 11-time All-Star.
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Harden and Donovan Mitchell have formed a dynamic backcourt duo so far, leading the Cavaliers to a 6-1 record in the seven games they’ve played together since the trade.
Unfortunately, the newest addition fractured his thumb and is seeking treatment options, which knocked him out of Wednesday’s game.
To make matters worse, Mitchell was also held out of the contest against the Milwaukee Bucks, resulting in a heartbreaking 118-116 loss. With the status of Cleveland’s two stars up in the air, let’s see who will be suiting up tonight.
Cavaliers Injury Report: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell Availability
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The Cavaliers continue their road trip tonight against the Detroit Pistons in a true measuring-stick game.
Detroit is at the top of the Eastern Conference, so a win for Cleveland would cement them as legitimate championship contenders.
Unfortunately, they’ll be without Mitchell tonight as his groin injury appears to be more troublesome than initially expected.
While Harden entered the day listed as questionable, with ESPN reporter Shams Charania stating that he plans to play through the injury, the Cavaliers will be forced to wait at least one more game for his return.
The former MVP is also out tonight as he works to get his thumb into playing shape.
This is a massive blow for Cleveland, as they will now be without both of their star guards in a game that will be extremely difficult to win without them.
However, if they are able to sink Detroit on the backs of big men Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, then they can send an even stronger message than a win with Harden and Mitchell in the lineup would have conveyed.