Currently, there are just two first-round playoff matchups locked at two wins apiece, with one of them featuring the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Orlando Magic.
The Cavaliers aim to evade another first-round playoff exit, having faced elimination at this stage for the past two seasons. To achieve victory, they’ll rely heavily on Donovan Mitchell, who has been dealing with recent health concerns.
Fortunately, according to Evan Dammarell, Mitchell has confirmed he’s now fully healthy, assuring that he’s at 100 percent and capable of maintaining his explosiveness and speed.
#Cavs guard Donovan Mitchell reiterates he’s 100% physically and he’s found a way to manage any lingering pain on the court to still maintain his burst and speed.
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) April 29, 2024
It’s been a challenging season for Mitchell, who has contended with knee problems over recent months, along with a nasal fracture that necessitated surgery, and a groin injury.
Despite averaging 26.6 points per game during the regular season, his performance waned following the All-Star break due to frequent absences from the lineup.
While he kicked off the series against Orlando with a 30-point performance in Game 1, his shooting has been inconsistent since then. In the last two games, both losses for the Cavs, he managed just 13 and 18 points respectively.
For Cleveland to clinch the series, Mitchell needs to regain his usual playoff form, where he has a career average of 27.2 points across 48 postseason appearances.
Additionally, the Cavaliers are relying on fellow starting guard Darius Garland to elevate his game even further, especially considering his modest contributions of just 12.0 points on 41.9 percent shooting in this series.
