Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell Returns Against Raptors After Resting

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell is set to return to the court for the game against the Toronto Raptors tonight at 7 p.m. Eastern at Rocket Arena. Mitchell missed the previous game against the Miami Heat to rest, but he enters this matchup without any injury concerns.

Mitchell’s return comes at a critical time for the Cavaliers, who are dealing with injuries to key players like Darius Garland and Lonzo Ball. Despite being sidelined, the Cavaliers achieved a gritty victory over the Heat on Wednesday night, winning 102-97 as underdogs. Without Mitchell, Garland, Max Strus, and Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Craig Porter Jr. helped lead the team.

For Thursday’s game, Cleveland looks to bounce back against the Raptors, who previously defeated them at home this season. Coach Kenny Atkinson is expected to leverage Mitchell’s scoring ability, as he averages 30.4 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.4 rebounds this season, shooting 51.0 percent from the field and 40.4 percent from beyond the arc.

Garland is likely out due to a toe injury, while Strus continues to deal with a foot issue. With Mitchell back, the Cavaliers will aim to pull off a win against a Raptors team that brings their own injury concerns, including questionable statuses for Sandro Mamukelashvili and Ochai Agbaji.

The Cavaliers are currently favored by 7.5 points at home, and fans are hopeful that Mitchell’s return will provide the necessary lift to help secure a win in this important matchup.