Cavaliers Await Donovan Mitchell's Potential Return Against Celtics

Cleveland star listed as probable after missing four games with groin strain

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The Cleveland Cavaliers are preparing to face the Boston Celtics on Sunday, with the potential return of star guard Donovan Mitchell being a key storyline. Mitchell is listed as probable after missing the last four games due to a right groin strain. The Cavaliers will be without center Jarrett Allen, but guard Dean Wade is also probable to play. The Celtics enter the game as the second seed in the Eastern Conference, having won eight of their last ten games.

Why it matters

Mitchell's return would be a significant boost for the Cavaliers as they look to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Celtics are a formidable opponent, and this game could have major implications for both teams' postseason aspirations.

The details

Mitchell is averaging 28.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game this season, shooting 48.3% from the field and 36.9% from three-point range. The Cavaliers have won seven of their last ten games and hold the fourth seed in the East with a 39-24 record. The Celtics, on the other hand, are the second seed in the conference with a 42-21 record and have won eight of their last ten games.

  • The Cavaliers and Celtics will face off on Sunday, March 10, 2026.
  • The Cavaliers will then host the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Donovan Mitchell

A star guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers who is listed as probable to return from a right groin strain.

Jarrett Allen

The Cavaliers' starting center who will miss the game against the Celtics due to a right knee tendonitis injury.

Dean Wade

A Cavaliers player who is listed as probable to play against the Celtics after missing time with a right ankle sprain.

Jaylon Tyson

A Cavaliers player who is listed as questionable to play against the Celtics due to a neck strain.

Boston Celtics

The Cavaliers' opponent on Sunday, currently holding the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a 42-21 record.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This game between the Cavaliers and Celtics is a crucial matchup in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The potential return of Donovan Mitchell could be a game-changer for the Cavaliers, but they will also need to find a way to contain the Celtics' strong overall team performance. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for both teams' postseason aspirations.