SUMMARY
- The Cavaliers will visit the Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center tonight.
- Donovan Mitchell is listed as questionable for the Pelicans vs. Cavaliers game.
The New Orleans Pelicans are coming in hot. So far, they have had an incredible run this season. NOLA is on a four-game win streak at the moment looking for their fifth consecutive victory. They rank fifth in the Western Conference with a record of 39-25. As of now, they are safe from the Play-In Tournament berths and are projected to make a deep playoff run. It all depends on how this team plays under more pressure.
GM, CLE. 😁 #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/idJtm5p3pJ
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) March 9, 2024
The Cleveland Cavaliers will be visiting the Smoothie King Center for their second road game. They have been one of the most impressive teams in the league this season. The Cavaliers currently rank third in the East with a 41-24 record. They rank 0.5 games behind the Milwaukee Bucks, who are in second place. This will be their second meeting this season. NOLA won their previous match-up that took place in December.
Donovan Mitchell has been listed as questionable for the Pelicans vs. Cavaliers game
Donovan Mitchell has missed seven consecutive games due to a knee injury. He has been dealing with a bone bruise in his right knee. The Cavaliers stated that they’ve treated the injury with PRP injections. Mitchell will be re-evaluated in a couple of days before the Cavaliers give him an official return timetable. Mitchell has missed 18 games this season and the Cavaliers have gone 9-9 in his absence.
Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report:
- Dean Wade (Out)
- Max Strus (Out)
- Donovan Mitchell (Questionable)
- Evan Mobley (Out)
- Ty Jerome (Out)
Cleveland Cavaliers Expected Lineup:
- Darius Garland
- Caris LeVert
- Isaac Okoro
- Georges Niang
- Jarrett Allen
CPJ, OH MY. 😮💨@craigporter0 | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/Zy9mYmrQUi
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) March 12, 2024
New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report:
- Dyson Daniels (Out)
New Orleans Pelicans Expected Lineup:
- CJ McCollum
- Brandon Ingram
- Herbert Jones
- Zion Williamson
- Jonas Valanciunas
Zion Williamson vs Hawks last night:
27 Points
7 Assists
6 Rebounds
2 Blocks
10/14 FG (71%)
7/10 FT (70%) pic.twitter.com/ZLSd39gqVj— Charlotte⁶𓅓🇵🇸🇸🇩🇨🇩 (@Chvardiol) March 11, 2024
The Pelicans do not have any injuries that threaten their progress toward the end of the regular season. Williamson and Ingram have been having a great year despite all the concerns that existed during the initial part of the season. This will be a great test of how well the Pelicans can handle top-ranked teams as they make a push for the playoffs.
The Pelicans have an edge over the Cavaliers in Donovan Mitchell’s absence
Donovan Mitchell has led the Cavaliers’ offense since arriving on the scene. This season, he has been putting up 28 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. Since he was diagnosed with the bone bruise, the Cavaliers have achieved a 3-4 record. Darius Garland is the only other scorer who can take up the responsibility. But he averages only 18.8 points per game.
The Cavaliers have a major task ahead of them in the form of NOLA. Mitchell is a fairly underrated defender and his presence against CJ McCollum would have moved mountains. However, McCollum now has an opening to let loose. Cleveland has won three of their last five games but with Mitchell in the lineup. Not having him in the lineup has brought down their offensive productivity. This will give NOLA a major advantage.