Overview
- An official March 2 injury report lists Donovan Mitchell out against Detroit with a right groin strain, marking his fourth consecutive absence.
- Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson has said he does not expect Mitchell’s groin issue to be a long-term concern.
- James Harden returned Sunday from a right thumb fracture and posted 22 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in a 106-102 win at Brooklyn.
- Detroit enters at 45-14 as the East’s top seed after a 122-119 overtime win over Cleveland on Feb. 27, with Isaiah Stewart reinstated following a seven-game suspension.
- Cleveland also has Max Strus out (foot) and Dean Wade questionable (ankle), is 3-4 without Mitchell this season, and notes Mitchell’s 28.5 points per game with roughly 10 appearances needed for All-NBA eligibility.