Donovan

Mitchell

Garland is dealing with a sore right great toe, which he injured during Wednesday’s win over the 76ers. It was the left great toe that he injured late last season, ultimately undergoing surgery to address the issue in the summer. Garland’s absence means more playing time for Craig Porter Jr., and Donovan Mitchell will spend even more time on the ball.

Mitchell put on a show on Wednesday night, leading the Cavaliers to one of their best wins of the season after Monday’s terrible loss to the Jazz. And Cleveland may need even more from him in the immediate future, as Darius Garland left during the third quarter with a right foot injury. Mitchell has scored 30 points or more in five of his last seven games, and the all-around stat line on Wednesday was elite.

Garland injured his right foot during the third quarter of Wednesday’s game and has been ruled out for the rest of the night. If there’s a positive, it’s that this isn’t the same foot that required offseason surgery. Craig Porter Jr.'s playing time should increase for the rest of the game, while Donovan Mitchell takes on an even more prominent role as a scorer and playmaker. Garland finished with 20 points, three rebounds, seven assists, one steal and three three-pointers.

After a one-game absence, Mitchell returned to the floor on Thursday and added to his streak of 30-point games, which now sits at four. Efficient shooting helped lead him to a team-high in points, with most of his scoring production coming in a 19-point second half. Mitchell also tied a season-high in assists in his effort to give the Cavs a second straight win. A flurry from the T’Wolves in the third quarter ultimately swung the game in their favor, leaving Mitchell’s production wasted in a loss. Both he and the Cavs will have a chance to avenge their loss on Saturday at home against the same Timberwolves.

Mitchell is back after sitting out Tuesday’s win over the Pacers, but that isn’t the only change to the Cavaliers’ starting lineup. Porter, who recorded nine assists, two steals and three blocks on Tuesday, has been rewarded with a spot start. As a result of these changes, Sam Merrill and Dean Wade will come off the bench.

Mitchell sat out against Indiana on Tuesday, which allowed Dean Wade to start in his place. Wade exited early with a knee contusion and will remain out against Minnesota, so Mitchell will occupy his typical starting spot without having to bump anyone to the bench.

Mitchell will get the night off against a lottery team. That will leave an open spot in the starting unit, which will likely be filled by one of Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson or Dean Wade. All three, along with De’Andre Hunter, will see a bump in minutes and usage.

Mitchell has scored at least 30 points in 20 of the 34 games he’s played this season, including each of the last three. The only thing missing from the Cavaliers’ guard’s stat line on Sunday was a blocked shot, but fantasy managers aren’t going to lose any sleep over that. Cleveland plays three games in Week 12, starting with the Pacers on Tuesday.

Mitchell, who topped 30 points for the 19th time this season, locked horns with his Nuggets counterpart Jamal Murray as the pair traded punches down the home stretch with the Cavaliers erasing a late deficit to emerge with a narrow victory. The 29-year-old scoring machine, who has graded out as a top-10 fantasy contributor this season, has put together back-to-back strong performances and will look to keep the momentum going on Sunday when the Cavaliers square off against the upstart Pistons.

After scoring 26 total points across his last two games, Mitchell responded in a big way in his final game of 2025. This was only his second double-double of the season, and he made in impact in categories across the board. Mitchell is averaging career highs in points and three-pointers while also having the most efficient shooting season of his career. He’ll look to stay hot against the Nuggets on Friday in Cleveland’s next game.