NBA Notes: Cavs, Donovan Mitchell, Celtics, Jayson Tatum, Rockets

Cavaliers

The Cavaliers set the franchise mark for road wins with Tuesday’s victory at Portland, which took place without Donovan Mitchell. In fact, they’ve won their last two with Mitchell out resting (the other being at Memphis earlier this month).

Nonetheless, some will tell you that the Cavaliers (58-14) still go as Mitchell goes. And he is indeed the team’s leading scorer and greatest hope.

“Cleveland has won this season with an egalitarian approach and a deep rotation, but make no mistake: Donovan Mitchell is the straw that stirs the drink,” wrote ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “He reminded everyone of that in a 123-112 loss to the Suns last week — the Cavs’ fourth straight defeat — scoring only a season-low seven points on 2-for-18 shooting. For as much talent as the Cavaliers have, Mitchell will be the guy to lead them in the playoffs, and if he’s off, they’re off.”

The Cavs return home Thursday for a game against the Spurs.

Celtics

Celtics star Jayson Tatum went down with a sprained ankle the other night, though it’s not expected to keep him down for long. Word is, Tatum could potentially play in Wednesday’s road game at Phoenix.

“Boston appears to have ducked a serious injury to star Jayson Tatum despite the All-NBA forward being listed as doubtful for Wednesday’s game following an ankle sprain in Monday’s win in Sacramento,” wrote Tim Bontemps of ESPN. “Tatum went down after turning his ankle on a 3-point attempt when Domantas Sabonis contested the shot, though he was able to walk off on his own. With the Celtics looking toward the postseason, they’ll need all their players healthy to make another run to the Finals.”

And boy, ain’t that the truth.

Rockets

The Rockets are listed at No. 4 in the latest ESPN power rankings, their highest spot of the season. What a great and underrated season it’s been — despite some lessons along the way.

“The Rockets usually don’t squander prime opportunities for victories but that wasn’t the case Sunday against the Nuggets despite three-time MVP Nikola Jokic sitting out due to an ankle injury,” wrote ESPN’s Michael Wright. “However, Jamal Murray ran roughshod through the Rockets’ defense, dropping 39 points to end Houston’s nine-game winning streak. Houston coach Ime Udoka called the performance ‘sloppy’ at a time when the Rockets are looking to tighten key areas for the postseason.

“Houston has established a physical, defense-first identity that Udoka needs his team to fully embrace in closing out the regular season.”