Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell will start Cleveland's must-win Game 5 of its second-round series against the Pacers despite dealing with a sprained left ankle.

Published a month ago on May 15th 2025, 6:00 am
By Web Desk

Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell was in the starting lineup for Cleveland's must-win Game 5 of its second-round series against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday despite dealing with a sprained left ankle.
But Cavs guard Sam Merrill did not play because of a neck strain.
The No. 4-seeded Pacers, up in the series 3-1, can close it out Tuesday night in Cleveland, where they've already won twice, and advance to the Eastern Conference finals for the second straight year.
Mitchell, who had been listed as questionable, came out for his usual pregame shooting routine less than an hour before tipoff. Coach Kenny Atkinson said during his pregame availability that the All-Star guard had participated in Tuesday morning's shootaround.
"We know the situation we're in. I can't give you a definitive, but my hope is that he plays," Atkinson said.
Mitchell provided an early clue about his status three hours before the game when he took to X with the Cavaliers' hashtag theme of #LetEmKnow.
He did not play the second half of the Cavaliers' loss at Indiana on Sunday after he appeared to experience pain with the ankle while warming up during halftime.
Mitchell first suffered the injury on April 6 during the second half against the Sacramento Kings. He stepped on the foot of Sacramento's Keon Ellis near midcourt before losing his balance and rolling his left ankle.
Mitchell sat out the last four games of the regular season because of the injury. He is averaging 28.9 points during the playoffs, including five games with at least 30 points.
Merrill, who averaged 7.2 points off the bench this season, scored 14 points against the Pacers in Game 2.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
But Cavs guard Sam Merrill did not play because of a neck strain.
The No. 4-seeded Pacers, up in the series 3-1, can close it out Tuesday night in Cleveland, where they've already won twice, and advance to the Eastern Conference finals for the second straight year.
Mitchell, who had been listed as questionable, came out for his usual pregame shooting routine less than an hour before tipoff. Coach Kenny Atkinson said during his pregame availability that the All-Star guard had participated in Tuesday morning's shootaround.
"We know the situation we're in. I can't give you a definitive, but my hope is that he plays," Atkinson said.
Mitchell provided an early clue about his status three hours before the game when he took to X with the Cavaliers' hashtag theme of #LetEmKnow.
He did not play the second half of the Cavaliers' loss at Indiana on Sunday after he appeared to experience pain with the ankle while warming up during halftime.
Mitchell first suffered the injury on April 6 during the second half against the Sacramento Kings. He stepped on the foot of Sacramento's Keon Ellis near midcourt before losing his balance and rolling his left ankle.
Mitchell sat out the last four games of the regular season because of the injury. He is averaging 28.9 points during the playoffs, including five games with at least 30 points.
Merrill, who averaged 7.2 points off the bench this season, scored 14 points against the Pacers in Game 2.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Iran, Israel warn of intensifying warfare as G7 calls for de-escalation
- 7 hours ago

FIH Nations Cup: Pakistan to face New Zealand tomorrow
- 14 minutes ago
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carrie-Anne Moss make magic in ‘Fubar’ season 2
- 19 minutes ago

Balochistan govt unveils Rs1,028bn surplus budget for FY26
- 5 hours ago

Punjab Budget FY26: A tax-free vision for people-centric prosperity
- 4 hours ago
Adobe brings AI-image generation app to phones, adds partners
- 23 minutes ago

Pakistan, UAE DPMs discuss situation post Israel attacks on Iran
- 3 hours ago
Gold price plummets Rs1,000 in Pakistan
- 6 hours ago
Maryam Nawaz gets herself examined at Mayo Hospital
- 4 hours ago

Pakistani city included in list of world's best cities to live in
- 8 hours ago
Charred bodies, shattered lives after gunmen kill 100 in Nigeria
- 4 hours ago

15 civilians killed in Russian attack on Kyiv
- 7 hours ago
You May Like
Trending