Cavs' Keon Ellis Dealing with Fractured Finger

Rookie guard uncertain for Friday's game against Pistons

Feb. 27, 2026 at 6:56pm

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Cleveland Cavaliers rookie guard Keon Ellis suffered a fractured left index finger during Wednesday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Ellis played through the injury, finishing with 14 points, but the swelling and bruising increased afterward. X-rays revealed a non-displaced fracture, and Ellis' status for Friday's game against the Detroit Pistons is uncertain as he tests the finger during warmups.

Why it matters

The Cavaliers are already dealing with several key injuries, including to leading scorer Donovan Mitchell and swingman Max Strus. Ellis has been an important bench contributor for Cleveland since joining the team midseason, providing toughness, energy, and perimeter shooting. His potential absence would further test the Cavaliers' depth as they try to maintain their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The details

Ellis doesn't recall the exact play where he fractured his finger, but he remembers the immediate pain. He finished the game against the Bucks, but the swelling and bruising increased afterward. X-rays revealed a non-displaced fracture around the middle part of his left index finger. Ellis said it's the first time he's ever dealt with a fracture, and he's unsure of the timetable for his return. He participated in shootaround on Friday with padding and a protective wrap, testing the finger, but his availability will depend on how much the swelling subsides and if he can be effective without risk of re-injury.

  • On Wednesday, Ellis suffered the finger injury during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
  • On Friday, February 27, 2026, Ellis participated in shootaround and tested the finger ahead of the game against the Detroit Pistons.

The players

Keon Ellis

A rookie guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers who suffered a fractured left index finger during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Kenny Atkinson

The head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Donovan Mitchell

The leading scorer for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who has been ruled out for the game against the Detroit Pistons due to a groin injury.

Max Strus

A swingman for the Cleveland Cavaliers who is out due to offseason foot surgery.

James Harden

A player for the Cleveland Cavaliers who is listed as questionable for the game against the Detroit Pistons due to a fractured right thumb.

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What they’re saying

“It's my first time ever fracturing or breaking something, so it's different. I was just immediately wondering what the timetable and all that stuff looked like for me.”

— Keon Ellis, Cleveland Cavaliers Guard (cleveland.com)

“It doesn't feel as bad as it did the first day. But I think now it's just like can I play with it and can I be me? It doesn't hurt like crazy. But I don't want to get out there and forget about it and go to swipe how I do or reach how I do and then mess it up even more or just be out there second-guessing myself.”

— Keon Ellis, Cleveland Cavaliers Guard (cleveland.com)

What’s next

Ellis will continue to test the finger during warmups and the coaching staff will evaluate whether he can play effectively without risk of further injury.

The takeaway

The Cavaliers' depth is being tested by a rash of injuries, including Ellis' fractured finger. His potential absence would be a blow, but the team has shown resilience in overcoming obstacles this season as they try to maintain their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.