Donovan Mitchell ready for Game 5 despite injury
Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell will be in the starting lineup for the crucial Game 5 of the second-round series against the Indiana Pacers, despite suffering a sprained left ankle.
On the other hand, Cavs guard Sam Merrill will not participate in the game due to a neck strain.
The Pacers, seeded number 4 and leading the series 3-1, have the opportunity to close out the series this Tuesday night in Cleveland, where they have already won twice. If they succeed, they would advance to the Eastern Conference finals for the second consecutive year.
Mitchell, who had been listed as questionable, offered an early clue about his physical condition three hours before the game by posting the Cavaliers’ hashtag, #LetEmKnow, on X.
The All-Star guard did not play the second half of the Cavaliers’ 129-109 loss in Indiana on Sunday, after appearing to experience ankle pain while warming up during halftime.
Mitchell was first injured on April 6 during the second half against the Sacramento Kings. He stepped on Sacramento’s Keon Ellis’ foot near the middle of the court before losing his balance and twisting his left ankle.
Mitchell missed the last four games of the regular season due to injury. He averages 28.9 points during the playoffs, including five games with at least 30 points.
