Several Key Cavaliers Players Out Against Hornets

The Cleveland Cavaliers will be without Donovan Mitchell and possibly Darius Garland in their final game of the regular season.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will play their final regular season game on Sunday as they take on the Charlotte Hornets at Rocket Mortgage FeildHouse. However, the Wine and Gold will be down several players in their starting lineup as they prepare for the postseason.

Darius Garland - DOUBTFUL

Cleveland’s starting point guard is DOUBTFUL against the Hornets with what the team is calling a low back contusion.

Darius Garland has been finding his form over the last few games. Over the last two weeks, DG has averaged 16.3 points and 6.6 assists, while shooting 42% from the floor and 42% from behind the arc. He’s also grabbing two steals a game helping the Cavs on the defensive side. 

Donovan Mitchell - OUT

Donovan Mitchell continues to manage his knee injury even though he’s admitted that it’s starting to feel much better. With that being said, Spida will be OUT against the Hornets.

There’s no reason to have Mitchell on the floor and risk reigniting an injury. The Cavs have clinched the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference and home-court advantage for the first round of playoffs. Now, they wait to see who they’ll play starting next weekend.

Dec 17, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) talks with guard Caris LeVert (3) in the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Josefczyk-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Josefczyk-USA TODAY Sports

Caris LeVert - OUT

Caris LeVert has also been listed as OUT against the Hornets with left knee soreness.

LeVert has dealt with a range of injuries this season including a wrist and elbow injury. He's been such an important piece off Cleveland’s bench this season and making sure LeVert is healthy for the playoffs is a must.

Sam Merrill - OUT

Sam Merrill is set to miss his third straight game with a neck strain he suffered against the Los Angeles Clippers. He’s officially been listed as OUT.