Is Donovan Mitchell playing tonight? Injury update for Cavaliers vs Rockets

Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Elsa/Getty Images /
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The Cleveland Cavaliers enter the easier portion of their schedule tonight, beginning with a matchup in Houston against the Rockets. After losing a heartbreaker at Madison Square Garden, the Cavs hope to get back on track tonight. But will they have their best player?

Donovan Mitchell injury update (Updated January 26th)

Note: This will be updated closer to tip-off at 8:00 pm ET with the official word on Donovan Mitchell’s injury status.

As of 7:00 PM ET, Donovan Mitchell is now listed as OUT for tonight’s game against the Rockets.

Donovan Mitchell aggravated his groin against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 16th and missed three games. He returned against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night, but at the end of the game he drove into the lane, was fouled by Isaiah Hartenstein (it was not called) and went down hard.

Mitchell stayed down for a while before he was helped to his feet and moved off of the court. Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor reported yesterday that Mitchell did not practice:

The decision of whether or not Mitchell plays tonight could come down to the wire. Groin injuries are difficult to predict, and Mitchell may want to go through pregame warm-ups to see how it responds.

Mitchell has a history of trying to fight through injuries. He famously blew up at the Utah Jazz training staff for not allowing him to play in a playoff game a few years back against the Memphis Grizzlies, and he has fought to get back on the court multiple times this season from injuries that seemed like they would take longer to heal.

Groins are tricky and easy to re-aggravate, and both Mitchell and the Cavaliers might be best served if he rests for a few games. The rest of the roster is healthy and can shoulder the burden, and they need Mitchell at 100 percent.

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On the other hand, every game matters, and the Cavaliers’ loss in San Antonio earlier this season speaks to the need for the Cavs not to overlook any single game, no matter the opponent. If Mitchell is able to play, expect that he will.