Cavs coach gives optimistic Donovan Mitchell injury update

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Cavs coach gives optimistic Donovan Mitchell injury update

Nate Ulrich, Akron Beacon Journal · Akron Beacon Journal

Tue, Mar 3, 2026 ·

3 min read

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CLEVELAND — Although soft-tissue injuries have hindered Cavaliers All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell for years, Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson is maintaining an optimisitic view of Mitchell's most recent setback.

Mitchell missed his fourth consecutive game with a right groin strain on Tuesday, March 3, when the Cavs (39-24) prevailed 113-109 over the Detroit Pistons (45-15) at Rocket Arena.

Cavs column: Cavaliers' talk about Pistons is cheap, at least for now | Opinion

During Atkinson's pregame media availability, the coach said Mitchell's recovery is "trending better" and he would face the Pistons if it were a playoff game.

"It's obvious we know our schedule. You know our schedule, right? I know you guys don't like this, but playoff game, he plays today," Atkinson said. "I think we don't want this thing nagging him. So, I've got to admit I was part of the push, like, 'Don, think about we want you healthy for the playoffs. We want you healthy for this stretch run.' And we all kind of collaborated on the conversation. And we got to this decision. I think it's a smart decision. Don't want this thing nagging going into crunch time here."

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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates with Donovan Mitchell #45 after making a three-point shot in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

(Lachlan Cunningham, Getty Images)

Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland, who was acquired earlier in the day in a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers, sits in the stands to watch a game against the Cavs on Feb. 4, 2026, in Inglewood, California.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 01: Jarrett Allen #31 is doused with water by teammate Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on February 01, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)

Jan 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) slam dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 28: LeBron James #23 and Jake LaRavia #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers guard Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter at Rocket Arena on January 28, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 129-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
(Jason Miller, Getty Images)

Jan 26, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) shoots beside Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 24: Goga Bitadze #35 of the Orlando Magic collects a rebound against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at Kia Center on January 24, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
(Rich Storry, Getty Images)

Jan 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) drives to the basket against Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) goes to the basket while guarded by Charlotte Hornets guard Brandon Miller on Jan. 21, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.\
(Jacob Kupferman, Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 19: Guard Jaylon Tyson #20 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Rocket Arena on January 19, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
(Jason Miller, Getty Images)

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 16: Jaylon Tyson #20 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Adem Bona #30 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 16, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland, center, drives to the basket against Philadelphia 76ers defenders Joel Embiid, left, and Kelly Oubre Jr. on Jan. 14, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)

Jan 12, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Utah Jazz forward Kevin Love (42) fouls Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Jan 10, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae'qwan Tomlin (35) goes for a loose ball against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) and guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Jan 8, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) defends against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
(Bruce Kluckhohn, Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) blocks the shot of Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) in the first half, Jan. 6, 2026, in Indianapolis.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) defends Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the second half at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
(Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Jan 2, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) looks to pass while being defended by Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson (8) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, David Dermer-Imagn Images)

Dec 31, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) goes up for a dunk during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, David Dermer-Imagn Images)

Dec 29, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots against Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) in the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
(Daniel Dunn, Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images)

Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. shoots the ball over Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter during the second half, Dec. 27, 2025, in Houston.
(Troy Taormina, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) shoots the ball during the first quarter as Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) defends at Madison Square Garden in New York on Dec. 25, 2025.
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images)

Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter celebrates after a second-half dunk against the New Orleans Pelicans, Dec. 23, 2025, Cleveland.
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Dec 22, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson tries to get the attention of referee Natalie Sago (9) in the third quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) loses the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) on Dec. 19, 2025, in Cleveland.
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)

Dec 17, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) and Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) chase the ball during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, Matt Marton-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots against the Charlotte Hornets on Dec. 14, 2025, in Cleveland.
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

Dec 12, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Jamir Watkins (5) dunks the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) defends in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
(Geoff Burke, Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)

Dec 6, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) works against Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) drives to the basket as San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) defends Dec. 5, 2025, in Cleveland.
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter rebounds in the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers, Dec. 3, 2025, in Cleveland.
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Dec 1, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) looses the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson (22) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images)

Nov 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) passes during the second half against the Boston Celtics at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, David Dermer-Imagn Images)

Nov 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye (18) reaches for the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae’Quan Tomlin (35) during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
(Jordan Godfree, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Nov 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Luke Travers (33) comes down with a rebound against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
(John E. Sokolowski, John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin (35) blocks the shot of Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden on Nov. 23, 2025, in Cleveland.
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Nov 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr. (9) loses the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Nov 19, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) goes to the basket against Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (12) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, David Dermer-Imagn Images)

Nov 17, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots beside Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

Nov 15, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) defends a shot by Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

Nov 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) drives between Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) and guard Immanuel Quickley (5) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

Cavs forward Larry Nance Jr. shoots over Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat during the first half, Nov. 12, 2025 in Miami.
(Carmen Mandato, Getty Images)

Nov 10, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) and Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) fight for a loose ball during the first period at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
(Rhona Wise, Rhona Wise-Imagn Images)

Nov 8, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) goes up for a dunk against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mitchell missed the dunk. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) and Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton chase a loose ball in the second half of a NBA Cup game, Nov. 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
(Geoff Burke, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Nov 5, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) brings the ball up court in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Rocket Arena.
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Nov 2, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) celebrates with Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 31, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) defends a shot by Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles (12) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 29, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward/guard De'Andre Hunter (12) and Boston Celtics center Luka Garza (52) work for the ball in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
(David Butler II, David Butler II-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Cavaliers center Thomas Bryant (3) dunks as Detroit Pistons' Tolu Smith looks on Oct. 27, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)

Oct 26, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Oct 24, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) blocks a shot taken by Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) in the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
(Wendell Cruz, Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images)

Oct 22, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) hangs on the rim after a dunk against New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
(Brad Penner, Brad Penner-Imagn Images)

Mitchell has dealt with groin and calf injuries in previous seasons. Calf injuries interfered with Mitchell's past two playoffs with the Cavs .

"I think we're all over it, like every NBA team is, right? There's this collective research and evaluation, and there's numbers behind all this, right? There's in-game performance numbers," Atkinson said. "We do have an elaborate testing lab in our facility. I think we're cutting edge in terms of NBA organizations, so we know how important it is.

"We put a ton of resources into it, and that's probably a frustrating answer. You say, 'Well, why does it happen?' I don't think anybody's figured it out yet, and the game's faster. It is. It's faster. There's more [accelerations and decelerations], more jumping. We're getting these numbers, right? It's staring us in the face. So, we just go in depth. We talk about stints, longer stints, shorter stints, even with Evan [ Mobley ]. We do deep dives on all this stuff, so I can tell you we're on it, searching for the answers."

Cavaliers news: Cavs' perimeter defense pinned to Keon Ellis, Jaylon Tyson, Dean Wade

Jan 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Donovan Mitchell 's stats this season

Mitchell is averaging 28.5 points on 48.3% shooting from the field (36.9% on 3-pointers), 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists this season.

The 29-year-old Mitchell was voted first-team All-NBA last season. He has played 55 games in 2025-26 and needs to appear in at least 10 more during the regular season to be eligible for All-NBA honors.

Cleveland Cavaliers schedule. When is the next Cavs game?

After hosting the Pistons, the Cavs have 19 games left before the playoffs. The Cavs have four days off before they host the Boston Celtics in Cleveland's next game at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 8.

Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com . On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich .

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavs coach gives optimistic Donovan Mitchell injury update

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