The Cleveland Cavaliers will be without All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell for Thursday’s matchup against the Chicago Bulls due to a bruised left eye.
Mitchell sustained the injury earlier this week during a practice collision with teammate Evan Mobley, leaving his eye visibly bloodshot. Despite the issue, he suited up Tuesday against the Milwaukee Bucks but struggled, shooting just 4-of-14 while scoring 19 points.
Following the game, Mitchell admitted the injury affected his performance, saying he had difficulty seeing clearly out of his left eye. Head coach Kenny Atkinson confirmed the vision problems, noting it’s not a serious injury like a scratched cornea but requires time to heal.
Mitchell has been a standout performer this season, averaging 28.0 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 48% across 61 games.
Meanwhile, Cleveland continues to deal with additional injury concerns. Center Jarrett Allen remains sidelined with right knee tendinitis, missing his seventh straight game and set to also sit out Saturday’s clash with the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Cavaliers will look to manage without key contributors as they navigate a critical stretch in the NBA season.
