Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
Going into their March 21 game, the Cleveland Cavaliers were unsure about the availability of their star guard, Donovan Mitchell.
When the Cavs released their initial injury report for the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, Mitchell was once again questionable.
The veteran guard is dealing with a left eye contusion. Mitchell was downgraded by the Cavs ahead of their March 19 game against the Chicago Bulls as a result of the eye injury. Ultimately, he was ruled out.
It was Mitchell’s first absence since the Cavs’ March 3 game against the Detroit Pistons.
Will Mitchell make his return to the Cavs’ lineup on Saturday night against New Orleans?
Cavaliers Reveal Starting Lineup vs Pelicans After Donovan Mitchell Decision
GettySAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – DECEMBER 29: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on December 29, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
The Cavaliers will start James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Sam Merrill, Dean Wade, and Evan Mobley.
Chris Fedor
#Cavs Donovan Mitchell is AVAILABLE. Jaylon Tyson is OUT.
After being listed as questionable, Mitchell was cleared for action.
In the Cavs’ latest outing without Mitchell, the team was led by the star guard, James Harden. The 11-time All-Star scored 36 points while producing nine assists, seven rebounds, two steals, and one block.
The veteran Evan Mobley checked in for 36 minutes and logged a double-double with 26 points and 14 rebounds.
The young veteran Jaylon Tyson picked up 23 minutes and put together an impressive outing with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists.
The Cavaliers took down the Bulls with a 115-110 victory.
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – FEBRUARY 22: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on February 22, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
The last time Donovan Mitchell took the court was on March 17 against the Milwaukee Bucks. He checked in for 33 minutes. The veteran guard struggled with his shot, making just four of his 14 attempts.
Mitchell finished the game with 19 points. 10 of his points came from the free-throw line. He was two rebounds shy of a double-double and produced three assists.
GettySAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – DECEMBER 29: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts from the bench during the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on December 29, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
Where The Cavaliers Rank In The Eastern Conference
The Cavaliers are on a two-game winning streak.
They’ve won six out of their last 10 games. Heading into Saturday night’s game against the Pelicans, the Cavs are 43-27 on the year, sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference.
The Toronto Raptors aren’t too close, sitting 3.5 games behind the Cavs. As for the New York Knicks, they have a 2.5-game lead over the Cavaliers for the second seed.
The Cavs and the Pelicans are slated for a 7 PM ET tip on Saturday. After that matchup, the Cavaliers will face the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, March 24.