The Cleveland Cavaliers have secured the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference for the upcoming NBA playoffs after a decisive 135-113 victory over the Chicago Bulls. This marks the first time the Cavs have claimed the top seed since the 2015-16 season, a campaign that culminated in their only championship, led by LeBron James. The Cavs finished the regular season with a remarkable 63-16 record, outpacing the second-place Boston Celtics by a significant margin.

Despite missing All-Star Donovan Mitchell due to a mild ankle sprain, the Cavaliers showcased their depth and resilience. With home-court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference Finals secured, they look forward to potentially facing the Celtics, who eliminated them in last year’s playoffs. The team’s recent performance, including notable winning streaks of 15 and 16 games, underscores their readiness for a deep postseason run, particularly as they prepare to face the No. 8 seed from the Play-In Tournament.

Donovan Mitchell will sit out the upcoming game against the Chicago Bulls due to a left ankle sprain sustained during a recent match against the Sacramento Kings. The all-star guard limped out of the game but managed to return and finish with 19 points despite the injury. He has been a key player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, leading the team in scoring with an average of 24 points per game.

As the Cavaliers aim for the top seed in the Eastern Conference, Mitchell's absence could significantly impact their strategy. The team holds a strong 62-16 record, needing only one more win to secure the best record in the conference. With the playoffs approaching, Mitchell's health will be crucial for Cleveland's championship aspirations.

The Cleveland Cavaliers face a crucial decision regarding All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell's health as the playoffs approach. After sustaining a left ankle injury during a recent game against the Sacramento Kings, Mitchell's status has become a significant concern. Despite finishing the game with 19 points, the Cavs must prioritize his long-term health over securing a top seed in the Eastern Conference.

Coach Kenny Atkinson emphasized that even a minor injury could jeopardize Mitchell's availability for the postseason, urging the team not to rush him back into action. Given Mitchell's past struggles with injuries, the Cavaliers are implementing strategies to conserve his energy for the playoffs, aiming to ensure he is fully prepared for the challenges ahead.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing a tense situation as star guard Donovan Mitchell left the game against the Sacramento Kings due to an injury scare. During the third quarter, while attempting a layup, Mitchell landed awkwardly, causing him to stumble and hold his ankle in pain. After lying on the floor for a minute, he managed to limp off to the locker room, raising concern within the Cavaliers' camp.

However, with just over three minutes left in the third quarter, Mitchell returned to the floor, much to the relief of Cavs fans and management. Given that the Cavaliers are on the verge of securing the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, Mitchell’s health is crucial as they approach the playoffs.

Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley propelled the Cleveland Cavaliers to a narrow 114-113 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, marking their third consecutive win. Mitchell scored 26 points, while Mobley contributed 25 points and 12 rebounds. The Cavaliers, holding a 62-15 record, are on the brink of clinching the best record in the Eastern Conference with just five games remaining in the regular season.

Cleveland initially surged ahead by 23 points in the second quarter, but the Spurs fought back, cutting the deficit to just one point in the final seconds. Despite their efforts, San Antonio couldn't convert a late layup from Harrison Barnes that would have secured a stunning comeback. Darius Garland added 19 points for the Cavs, as their well-rounded scoring kept them ahead until the very end.