INDEPENDENCE — Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell donned a black mask and participated in the team's shootaround Friday morning at Cleveland Clinic Courts, a sign the five-time All-Star selection would return to action after missing the past six games.
Although Mitchell was listed as questionable to face the Philadelphia 76ers (39-34) on Friday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the Cavs (44-29) announced about 45 minutes before tipoff Mitchell will be back in the starting lineup.
Veteran forward Marcus Morris Sr. said it's "very important" for Mitchell to reintegrate with the team because Cleveland has just nine regular-season games left before the NBA playoffs begin April 20. The Cavs sit in fourth place in the Eastern Conference's tight standings.
"I've been in a lot of battles with Don over in Utah when I was with the Clippers , so I know this time of year, it's his time of year," Morris, who joined the Cavs on a 10-day contract March 18 and signed a deal with the franchise Friday for the remainder of this season , said after shootaround.
"That's one of those guys that you're happy to have him on your team, and this will be my first game with him. But to add him to what we already have and getting guys back at the right time, I think it's a perfect timing for him to get some games under his belt before we make a stretch [run]."
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Mitchell , 27, has been recovering from a nasal fracture and a left knee injury. In addition to wearing a mask during shootaround, Mitchell had tape on his bothersome knee.
Mitchell underwent a medical procedure March 19 to realign the broken nose he suffered when teammate Tristan Thompson inadvertently hit him in the face March 16 against the Houston Rockets . Mitchell also received a platelet-rich plasma injection March 4 to treat a left knee bone bruise.
What difference does Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff anticipate Mitchell making upon his return?
"Just the force and the gravity that he carries on the offensive end of the floor," Bickerstaff said Friday during his pregame media availability. "His leadership, the way his teammates believe in him and feel the confidence when he's on the floor, what they're capable of. I think you'll feel that boost right away."
Mitchell is averaging 27.4 points, a career-high 5.3 rebounds, a career-high 6.1 assists and a career-high 1.8 steals in 35.3 minutes this season.
The Cavs are 33-16 this season with Mitchell in the lineup and 11-13 without him.
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Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich .
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavs star Donovan Mitchell returns from injury to face 76ers
