Cavs' Mitchell, Mobley Cleared to Play vs. 76ers

Cleveland's star duo returns from injuries for Monday's matchup.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Cleveland Cavaliers will have both Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley available for Monday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Mitchell is returning from a groin strain that sidelined him for two weeks, while Mobley is back after missing time with a left calf strain. The Cavs will still be without several key players due to injuries, but the return of their star duo is a major boost as they take on a shorthanded 76ers squad.

Why it matters

Mitchell and Mobley are the Cavaliers' two best players, so their availability is crucial as Cleveland looks to solidify its position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The 76ers will also be missing several starters, including Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, making this an important opportunity for the Cavs to pick up a key win.

The details

Mitchell scored 30 points in his return on Sunday against the Boston Celtics, while Mobley will be playing in back-to-back games for the first time since coming back from his calf injury. The Cavaliers will still be without Jarrett Allen, Tyrese Proctor, and Max Strus, among others, but the return of their star duo should give them a major boost against the shorthanded 76ers.

  • Donovan Mitchell returned from a groin strain on Sunday, March 12, 2026.
  • Evan Mobley will be playing in back-to-back games for the first time since the All-Star break on Monday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Donovan Mitchell

The Cavaliers' star guard, who is returning from a two-week absence due to a groin strain.

Evan Mobley

The Cavaliers' second-year forward, who is back after missing time with a left calf strain.

Jarrett Allen

The Cavaliers' starting center, who will miss the game due to right knee tendinitis.

Tyrese Maxey

The 76ers' starting guard, who will miss the game due to a right finger sprain.

Joel Embiid

The 76ers' star center, who will miss the game due to a right oblique strain.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're excited to have Donovan and Evan back on the floor. They're the heart and soul of this team, and their presence will be a big boost as we take on the 76ers.”

— J.B. Bickerstaff, Cavaliers Head Coach (Cleveland.com)

What’s next

The Cavaliers will look to build on the return of Mitchell and Mobley as they continue their push for a high playoff seed in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers, meanwhile, will need to find a way to win without several of their key players.

The takeaway

The Cavaliers' ability to weather injuries and get their star duo back on the court is a testament to the depth and resilience of this team. With Mitchell and Mobley leading the way, Cleveland has a chance to solidify its position in the East and make a deep playoff run.