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Donovan Mitchell Injury Update
Donovan Mitchell is out for the Cleveland Cavaliers' rematch against the Chicago Bulls on December 19, 2025, due to an illness that's knocked him down harder than expected. Coach Kenny Atkinson broke the news straight up, saying Mitchell felt rough after their loss to the Bulls two days earlier on the 17th where he still gutted out 32 points despite being under the weather and things just got worse from there.
It's one of those bugs going around the locker room, with backup Craig Porter Jr. sidelined too, turning what was already a tough stretch for the Cavs into a real test of depth.Cleveland Sports Talk on X: Donovan Mitchell is OUT tonight vs. the Bulls with an illness.
What Happened to Donovan Mitchell?
Mitchell played through sickness in that 127-111 loss at Chicago on December 17, dropping 32 points on 11-of-23 shooting, but by practice the next day, he was too ill to stick around they sent him home.
Atkinson put it bluntly: "He came in yesterday pretty sick... today, not feeling well at all. Kind of got worse." No long-term injury scare here, just a nasty bug that's spreading; the ninth-year guard has only missed two games all season prior to this, both for rest, and he's been Cleveland's offensive engine amid their 15-13 skid. Kinda brutal timing for a team already banged up Evan Mobley with a calf strain, Max Strus still recovering from foot surgery, and others like Sam Merrill and Larry Nance Jr. on the shelf.
When will Donovan Mitchell Return?
No firm timeline yet, but Mitchell's eyeing a return for Monday, December 22 against the Charlotte Hornets to kick off a back-to-back. Atkinson framed it as a short-term hit, calling it a "program builder" to see how rookies like Tyrese Proctor who's starting his first NBA game tonight step up, plus they called up two-way guy Luke Travers from the G League.
These illnesses usually pass quick if it's not something deeper, and given Mitchell's ironman streak since mid-November, expect him back soon unless it lingers. Fingers crossed the Cavs weather this without dropping another L to the Bulls talk about adding insult to their dismal December.
Donovan Mitchell Stats
Mitchell's putting up All-NBA numbers in 26 games: 30.7 points per game on 49.3% field goal shooting (38.3% from three), 5.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 30.7 minutes.Here's a quick glance at his season splits so far guy's a scoring machine even as the Cavs limp along at 3-7 in their last 10:
| Category | Average | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 30.7 | Team-high, leads NBA in usage |
| Assists | 5.5 | Shouldering playmaking load sans Garland |
| Rebounds | 4.5 | Solid for a guard |
| FG% / 3PT% | 49.3% / 38.3% | Efficient volume scorer |
| Steals | 1.4 | Defensive pest |
He's been the lone bright spot in Cleveland's underachieving campaign, like that 48-point explosion against the Wizards last week pure Spida magic. Without him tonight, Darius Garland gets the keys, but man, the offense might sputter.
Disclaimer: This Donovan Mitchell injury update reflects reports as of December 19, 2025. NBA player statuses can shift quickly check official Cavaliers, NBA.com, or team announcements for real-time confirmation. Stats from recent games; not for betting or medical advice.
