Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers final injury report for Game 3 - Is Donovan Mitchell playing tonight? (May 9, 2025)

The Cleveland Cavaliers face a must-win scenario as they head into Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers, trailing 0-2 in the series. Amid a wave of injuries to key players, the spotlight is on star guard Donovan Mitchell, who has been playing through a calf strain but remains the Cavaliers’ primary hope for a turnaround.

Donovan Mitchell’s Injury Status for Game 3 (May 9, 2025)

Mitchell has been dealing with a mild calf strain, which, while not severe enough to keep him out of the lineup, has raised some concerns among fans and analysts. Despite visible discomfort and moments of limping at the end of both games against the Pacers, Mitchell has not been listed on the official injury report. Head coach Kenny Atkinson provided reassurance, stating he does not expect Mitchell to carry any injury designation heading into Game 3.

Donovan Mitchell’s Performance in Games 1 and 2

Donovan Mitchell’s impact has been nothing short of heroic. In Game 2, he exploded for 48 points, carrying the Cleveland Cavaliers offensively and nearly willing them to a win despite the absence of other key contributors. His performance included highlight-reel plays and relentless scoring, but Cleveland ultimately fell short, squandering a 20-point lead and losing in the final moments. In Game 1, Mitchell also led the team in scoring, although the exact point total was not specified in the available reports. His leadership and scoring have been the Cleveland Cavaliers’ lifeline, especially with Darius Garland and Evan Mobley sidelined.

Donovan Mitchell’s Impact on the Team

Mitchell is not only Cleveland’s leading scorer but also the emotional and strategic anchor of the team. His ability to create shots, attack the rim, and draw defensive attention opens opportunities for teammates. In the playoffs, his scoring average has soared, and his usage rate has spiked as the Cleveland Cavaliers have leaned heavily on his offensive production. Without Mitchell, Cleveland’s offense would struggle to generate quality looks, and their ability to keep pace with Indiana’s high-powered attack would be severely diminished.

What If Mitchell’s Injury Worsens or He Misses Time?

If Mitchell’s calf strain were to worsen or force him out of the lineup, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ prospects would become dire. The team would have to rely on secondary scorers like Caris LeVert, while hoping for unexpected contributions from the bench. The absence of Mitchell’s shot creation and leadership would put immense pressure on Cleveland’s already depleted roster, making a comeback in the series highly unlikely.

Also read: Will Darius Garland play tonight against the Indiana Pacers? Latest update on the Cleveland Cavaliers star's injury report for Game 3 (May 9, 2025)

Donovan Mitchell is expected to play in Game 3, despite his calf strain, and remains the Cavaliers’ best hope to avoid a 0-3 deficit. His recent performances underscore his importance, but the team’s margin for error is slim. Cleveland’s playoff fate may rest on Mitchell’s health and continued heroics as they fight to stay alive in the series.