NBA Notes: Cavs, Donovan Mitchell, Suns, Grayson Allen, Bulls

Cavaliers

The Cavaliers have won three straight and now get a measuring-stick game, with the East-leading Pistons coming to town. It’s January, not April, but this is the kind of spot that tells you something.

Cleveland has already shown it can handle Detroit. Back on October 27, the Cavs rolled to a 116-95 win, one of their more complete performances of the season.

Donovan Mitchell set the tone that night with 35 points in just 29 minutes and continues to drive the offense, averaging 29.8 points per game.

The challenge this time is sustaining it. Detroit brings depth, size, and physicality, which puts the spotlight on Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen to be sharp defensively, clean on the glass, and steady with the ball.

A win wouldn’t crown anything, but it would reinforce the idea that Cleveland’s recent momentum is real.

Suns

Suns guard Grayson Allen is getting close. Allen has missed eight straight games with a right knee injury but participated in five-on-five work Thursday, a notable step, as relayed by Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic.

Coach Jordan Ott said the response was encouraging, and Allen is expected to go through another full-contact session before returning.

Bulls

In Chicago, injuries in the backcourt have elevated the role (and value) of Tre Jones.

The veteran point guard, acquired from San Antonio at last year’s deadline, slid into the starting lineup and delivered 20 points and 12 assists in Wednesday’s win over New Orleans, per Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune.

Jones is under contract for $8 million next season, with a team option for 2027-28, giving the Bulls some flexibility as they sort through the futures of their other guards.