Donovan Mitchell, who missed Wednesday’s loss in Milwaukee, will also sit out Friday’s game in Detroit, tweets Jamal Collier of ESPN. Mitchell is dealing with a right groin strain.
The Cavaliers are 2-3 this season without the seven-time All-Star, who last played Tuesday against New York, finishing with 23 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals in 31 minutes during the win.
Mitchell continues to produce at a high level in 2025/26, averaging 28.5 points, 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals on .483/.369/.852 shooting splits across 55 games (33.5 minutes per contest).
His new backcourt partner James Harden is also injured after being diagnosed with a non-displaced fracture in his right thumb.
Collier reports Harden’s thumb was heavily wrapped Wednesday, and the former MVP is questionable for Friday’s game.
Keon Ellis is dealing with a fractured left index finger and is also questionable, while Dennis Schröder and Dean Wade are managing right ankle sprains and carry the same designation.
Both Harden and Ellis suffered fractures to their non-shooting hands, and Ellis’ injury likely occurred during his 29-minute appearance against Milwaukee on Wednesday.
Donovan Mitchell (Groin) To Miss Second Straight Game Friday https://t.co/4K30MmujVz pic.twitter.com/aY6kWk7tBM
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 26, 2026
