East Notes: Cavs, Donovan Mitchell, Sixers, Joel Embiid, Pacers

Cavaliers

In case you missed it, Donovan Mitchell is expected to rest Monday at Indiana to manage his bruised left knee. Mitchell is just 9-of-29 shooting over the last two games. He missed seven straight before that.

“I want to be out there, but it’s clear as day, even to myself,” he told reporters. “I can’t fool myself. We’ll get it right and be ready for when that time comes.”

Coach J.B. Bickerstaff suggested Mitchell’s determination remains unwavering.

“Donovan is giving it what he’s got,” Bickerstaff said. “He’s doing a great job of sharing the ball. Obviously, he missed some time and is working his way back in. I’m not concerned about Donovan’s game because I know when he’s on the floor, he’s giving us a chance to win.”

• The Cavs have lost six of 10 and haven’t won back-to-back games since Feb. 25-27. So it’s been an uneven run since the 17-of-18 charge to start the year. I have more in dribbles right here.
• Forward Marcus Morris will bring 14 years of experience and some additional grit to the frontcourt. He started the season with the 76ers before being traded to the Spurs (and waived) last month. He’s been available since. We have the full post on Morris here.
• You can also check out the latest Dribbles right here.

76ers

The Sixers are said to be happy with the progress being made by All-Star center Joel Embiid following meniscus surgery on his left knee.

“I think there’s always stages of how these things progress,” coach Nike Nurse said before Saturday’s win over the Hornets. “Everyone wants to know ‘Well how long is it going to be?” And they give a wide range because of that, because everyone heals differently. We’re just trying to take it as it comes, get him healthy and get him back when he’s ready to go.”

• Some suspect Embiid will be back just before the playoffs. Philadelphia as a No. 6 or 7 seed is a team none of the higher seeds would want to face.
• When Nurse was asked if he thought Embiid would return before the playoffs, Nurse said, “I’m still hoping so and pretty confident, yes.”

Pacers

Power forward Pascal Siakam (28 points, 11 rebounds) gave a great individual performance in Saturday’s win over the Nets, but said it’s all for the good of a greater cause.

“I’m all about the team,” he told reporters. “I try my best to bring that energy every time. Physical (defense), continue to challenge, multiple efforts, guard, I thought we did that. I want to make sure I’m all about winning. That’s my focus.”

• Added coach Rick Carlisle: “Pascal was great. He was great on offense. Defensively, he had his best game.”
• The Pacers (38-30) are currently in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings, but entered Sunday just two back of the Knicks for fourth. They host the Cavaliers on Monday night.