Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell Likely vs. Bucks; Jarrett Allen Out

Cavaliers All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell is likely to play vs. the Bucks on Wednesday, per Bob Finnan of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram, while center Jarrett Allen is officially listed as out.

Mitchell and Allen each missed the Cavaliers’ loss to the Timberwolves on Sunday, as did forward Dean Wade, who is listed as questionable for Wednesday. Wade has actually missed each of the previous two games with a knee issue.

Mitchell missed last game with a right ankle strain, suffered last week vs. the Warriors. He is officially listed as questionable for the Bucks game. As we relayed here, Allen wasn’t expected to make the trip to Milwaukee.

Mitchell, 26, is having another All-Star season in his first year with the Cavs, averaging 31.7 points, 6.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 11 appearances. He has missed two games total with ankle issues, the previous one causing him to be sidelined for a road win over the Pistons. 

He went through the Cavs’ practice before the tip departed for Milwaukee.

Allen, 24, is coming off an All-Star season, averaging 14.0 points and 11.5 rebounds, and shooting 56 percent from the field, in 11 games this year. He is suffering an ankle issue, as well as a non-COVID illness, per the official injury report.

Wade, 25, is averaging 7.3 points and shooting 53 percent from the field, also appearing in 11 games.

The Cavs (8-5) have lost four straight after an eight-game winning streak, yet remain within striking distance of the top spot in the Central Division, trailing only the Bucks (10-3).

Losing Allen and potentially Wade, however, will make it especially tough on the road vs. an opponent that is expected to contend for a title.