Donovan Mitchell Injury Update
As of today, Donovan Mitchell is day-to-day following an injury he sustained during the Cleveland Cavaliers' season opener against the New York Knicks. The Cavs’ star guard left the game midway through the fourth quarter after a collision with Knicks’ player Miles McBride. Mitchell’s injury, which appears to involve his left leg, led to him being evaluated by trainers on the sideline. The Cavs are hopeful for his quick return, but no official return date has been announced yet.
Grant Puskar (@grant_puskar_) shared on X: #Cavs Donovan Mitchell is hurt, holding his left hamstring and asked to be removed from the game.
What Happened to Donovan Mitchell?
Donovan Mitchell’s injury occurred during the fourth quarter of the Cavs' season opener on October 23, 2025, against the New York Knicks. While chasing a loose ball, Mitchell collided with McBride, leading to a hard fall that appeared to affect his left leg. He stayed in the game for a short time afterward but eventually signaled to the bench for a substitution. Trainers evaluated him, and he was seen lying on the baseline, grabbing his left leg.
Despite the fall, Mitchell re-entered the game with just under four minutes left. His injury's severity remains unclear, but he seemed to have managed through the discomfort before returning. No official diagnosis of the injury (whether it is a sprain, strain, or contusion) has been confirmed yet.
Donovan Mitchell’s Current Status & Timeline
As of today, Mitchell is listed as questionable for the Cavs' next game. While he did return briefly to finish the game, the full extent of the injury is still under evaluation by the team. Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff mentioned that they are monitoring Mitchell’s condition closely but did not provide a firm timeline for his return. Mitchell’s status will likely be reassessed as the Cavs face their next opponent. Tedd Buddwell (@TedBuddy8) shared on X: Donovan Mitchell was holding his hamstring and signaling to the bench for a sub before that collision on the loose ball.
The Cavs are set to play their next game, and it remains unclear whether Mitchell will be active. His condition will likely be updated on the injury report closer to game time.
How This Affects the Cavaliers
The Cavaliers have already been dealing with an injury to Darius Garland, making Mitchell’s injury even more concerning for the team's lineup. Mitchell had been performing at a high level, scoring 21 points in the third quarter alone. Without him, the Cavs may rely more heavily on players like Caris LeVert and Evan Mobley to pick up the slack offensively. The Cavaliers are already facing challenges early in the season, and Mitchell’s absence would likely put additional pressure on their offense.
If Mitchell is sidelined, the Cavs' ability to stay competitive against strong teams could be impacted, especially given their shaky start without both of their star guards.
What Does This Mean for the Cavaliers Moving Forward?
Given that Mitchell's injury occurred in the early part of the season, the team will be cautious in bringing him back. If his injury is more serious than anticipated, it could affect Cleveland’s playoff seeding and long-term goals. In the meantime, the Cavaliers’ medical staff will likely err on the side of caution, ensuring that Mitchell doesn’t rush back too quickly and risk further injury.
