Are Donovan Mitchell, Caris LeVert playing tonight, February 5th?

The Cleveland Cavaliers are coming off a big win against the Memphis Grizzlies, and this afternoon head a few hours West to play the Indiana Pacers on the road. The status of two key players is in question; will Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert play tonight?

Donovan Mitchell availability update (Updated February 5th)

Donovan Mitchell has been dealing with a groin injury for the past few weeks, and throughout the game against the Grizzlies it seemed to be bothering Mitchell and causing him discomfort. That’s why it was even more of a low blow when the Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks rolled over and popped Mitchell in the groin.

Mitchell responded by throwing the basketball at Brooks and from there a small melee ensued. Mitchell and Brooks were both ejected. In the aftermath, it seems possible that Mitchell could miss his next game from either the groin injury or a league-mandated suspension.

Thankfully, neither seems to be the case. The NBA decided to fine Mitchell and suspend Brooks a single game. The nature of the hit is such that Brooks has just a sliver of plausible deniability, so the league held back from a steeper punishment. Mitchell was fined $20,000 for his role:

Even more promising, Mitchell is not listed on the Cavaliers’ injury report. Whatever discomfort he was feeling in his groin on Thursday night is not enough to keep him out of today’s game. There is another player listed on the injury, report, whose status is a little more up-in-the-air.

Caris LeVert injury update (February 5th)

Note: This will be updated closer to tip-off at 5:00 pm ET with the official word on Caris LeVert’s injury status.

Caris LeVert suffered a hamstring injury this past week that kept him out of the win over Memphis. With an extra few days to rest the Cavaliers are hoping he can get back on the court today, but as of now LeVert is officially listed as questionable to play against the Pacers.

LeVert has had an up-and-down history of injuries, but this season he has been the picture of health. He missed two games in November with an ankle injury, but otherwise has been available for the entire year. That has been important, as he steps into the starting lineup and a larger role when either Mitchell or Darius Garland are out.

The Cavs play again tomorrow night in Washington against the Wizards, so it is possible that LeVert is held out of tonight’s game to give him one more day to heal before playing him in Washington. Cleveland has played well without him, which is likely more randomness than an indictment on his fit, but they certainly want him back healthy soon.

The other wrinkle for LeVert’s injury is that he has been at the center of a number of trade rumors. A lingering injury could make teams hesitant to trade for him this week by the NBA Trade Deadline, so it behooves the Cavs to showcase him one of these games.

If you didn’t read and skipped to the bottom, the Cavaliers will face a tough divisional foe in the Indiana Pacers with their full starting lineup available, including Donovan Mitchell, but the status of Caris LeVert won’t be known until closer to tip-off.