Cavs' Mitchell beginning at New Orleans after lacking seven video games – ESPN

NEW ORLEANS — Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell has been activated and positioned within the beginning lineup for Wednesday evening’s recreation in opposition to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Mitchell, averaging a team-high 28 factors per recreation this season, has missed the Cavaliers’ earlier seven video games with a left knee bruise.
“His presence offers our guys a ton of confidence,” Cleveland coach J.B. Bickerstaff stated earlier than tipoff. “They know the gravity that he carries. What defenses need to do to cease him or gradual him down simply makes all people else’s job simpler.
“He is one in every of our leaders. So, guys look to him in troublesome conditions or opposed environments to observe his lead,” Bickerstaff added.
The Cavaliers have misplaced 4 of the seven video games Mitchell missed. In New Orleans, they have been going through a Pelicans squad that got here in on a four-game successful streak.
In the meantime, Bickerstaff stated Evan Mobley, who performs heart and energy ahead, is “doing extra” bodily now after sitting out the earlier 4 video games with a left ankle sprain. Bickerstaff didn’t, nevertheless, put a timeline on Mobley’s return to the lineup.
“He is doing gentle stuff on the court docket now, however he is working his manner again,” Bickerstaff stated.

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