Donovan

Mitchell

Mitchell has now scored at least 24 points in each of his last five games. The 28-year-old shooting guard made six three-pointers, which is the most he’s had in a game since January 26, when he had seven three-pointers against the 76ers. Mitchell has been a top-five fantasy player over the last week.

After a slow first half, Mitchell kicked into high gear in the second, as Cleveland stormed back and won comfortably. He’s scored at least 24 points in four straight games, which is one reason why he’s provided top-5 value in eight- and nine-cat formats over the past week. The Cavaliers end Week 22 with games against the Spurs and Kings, which are good matchups for Mitchell. However, with Cleveland closing in on the one-seed in the East, fantasy managers will hope he isn’t given a night off in advance for the playoffs.

Mitchell finished behind only Jarrett Allen (25) for team lead in scoring, and he tied Allen in rebounds and Darius Garland in assists. Spida has been tremendous across his last three. He delivered a double-double with 14 assists against the Spurs, dropped 38 against the Pistons and compiled a double-double with rebounds as Cleveland became the first team in the Eastern Conference with 60 wins. He’ll look to keep up his stellar play when the Cavs face the Knicks in a heavyweight bout on Wednesday. Fantasy managers should note that Cleveland plays only three games next week.

Mitchell’s point total was his second-highest of the season, dwarfed only by the 41 points he scored against the Celtics exactly one month ago. Spida led a late Cleveland rally, but his explosive offensive outburst wasn’t enough to get Cleveland it’s 60th win. Mitchell will need to be at his best on Sunday when the Cavs host the Clippers.

It has been a rough few weeks for Mitchell, and there was plenty of concern about both him and the Cavaliers as a team. Despite their incredible season, a four-game losing streak had them looking a little exposed. Since then, they’ve won three games in a row, and Mitchell was back to playing at an elite level in this one. His 14 dimes were a new season-high, eclipsing his 11 assists that he had in a game last week. This was the first night of a back-to-back, so keep an eye on Friday’s injury report to see if Mitchell gets the night off.

Mitchell is back after sitting out Tuesday’s win over the Trail Blazers. Sam Merrill replaced him in the starting lineup, but Spida’s return does not automatically mean he’s headed to the bench. Evan Mobley (rest) is out, so Merrill, along with De’Andre Hunter, Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade, could be among the options to start.

Jerome has reached double figures in seven straight games, most recently scoring 25 points in Tuesday’s win over the Trail Blazers. With Donovan Mitchell (groin) available for Thursday’s game, the Cavaliers would be covered on the perimeter if Jerome does not play.

The Cavaliers held out Donovan Mitchell (groin) on Tuesday, resulting in Merrill joining the starting lineup. As expected, he provided solid value in the points and three-point categories, and the few managers who streamed Merrill aren’t complaining about the three assists, either. Primarily a three-point shooter, Merrill’s production has not been good enough to make him a player worth streaming on most nights, even when Cleveland is down a starter. But give him credit for a solid performance in Portland.

Mitchell will get a night off to manage this groin injury that caused him to miss a couple games this month. Isaac Okoro started that game, but he isn’t a player that is worth streaming in shallow leagues. De’Andre Hunter should see extra minutes off the bench with Mitchell out.

Cleveland won Sunday’s game by outscoring Utah 37-19 in the third quarter, but Mitchell was only needed for 21 minutes. That may be the most significant concern for fantasy managers still competing in their leagues. Cleveland has a comfortable lead in the Eastern Conference. While the team still has the opportunity to claim the NBA’s best record, it may prioritize getting its key players additional rest ahead of the postseason. The Cavaliers play four games during Week 21, but a midweek back-to-back could limit Mitchell to three appearances.