MEMPHIS, Tenn. — For the Cavs, extending their winning streak to a season-high 16 games will be a bit more difficult.
Donovan Mitchell, the team’s leading scorer, will miss his second straight game Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies because of groin soreness — an issue that is considered minor.
Sixth man De’Andre Hunter, also absent Tuesday due to an illness, is listed as probable.
Despite being held out of Tuesday’s come-from-behind victory and then having two days off in nearby Nashville, Mitchell still isn’t ready to go.
Sources say the Cavs are taking a cautious approach, especially given their commanding eight-and-half game lead over the Boston Celtics for first place in the Eastern Conference and a big-picture goal to be in the best physical shape going into the postseason, which begins in about a month.
Friday will mark Mitchell’s sixth missed game of the season. He is five appearances away from meeting the 65-game threshold to be eligible for end-of-season awards.
In 60 games, Mitchell is averaging 24.2 points, 4.8 assists and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 45.1% from the field and 38.4% from 3-point range.
The Cavs have won a franchise-tying-best 15 straight games. Another triumph Friday would break their own record set at the start of this season, when they ripped off 15 in a row before their first loss.