Cleveland’s injury report is starting to look like a CVS receipt. Key names are dropping, bodies are bruised, and their playoff hopes are hanging in the balance. And just when you thought it couldn’t get worse, Donovan Mitchell took a nasty fall late in Game 2 — wincing, grabbing his neck, and leaving fans holding their breath.

For a moment, it looked like the Cavaliers’ last dependable star might be the next man down.

In the final minutes of a high-stakes Game 2, Mitchell landed awkwardly after a hard collision, clearly in pain. He walked off gingerly, only to return moments later—still grimacing, still firing. By the final buzzer, he’d poured in 48 points, dragging Cleveland within striking distance despite the loss. But the performance came at a price.

Sources later confirmed what many suspected: Mitchell is nursing a mild calf strain and general soreness. He played Game 2 with it, and he’s expected to keep pushing through as the series shifts to Game 3. Postgame, Donovan Mitchell didn’t downplay the injury — he just didn’t let it become an excuse, “We all are [banged up]. It is what it is. We got two days to get ready for Friday.” Quiet toughness. No drama.

Now, Cleveland is already missing Darius Garland (toe), while Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter are still questionable with ankle and thumb injuries. That’s a lot of missing firepower — and a lot of pressure on Mitchell, especially now that he’s banged up, too.

Head coach Kenny Atkinson confirmed Mitchell won’t carry an injury designation heading into Friday’s must-win matchup, but behind the scenes, the team knows the margin for error is shrinking — fast.

Cavs Depth Chart vs Pacers

With bodies dropping left and right, Cleveland’s depth is being tested like never before. What once looked like a balanced roster has turned into a game of musical chairs — and the music’s getting faster. Here’s how the Cavs are currently stacking their rotation, with more patchwork than polish.

With so many key players sidelined or limited, the Cavaliers’ rotation is in flux. Ty Jerome, Craig Porter Jr., Emoni Bates, Sam Merrill, Max Strus, and Isaac Okoro are all seeing expanded or emergency roles. This “patchwork” approach isn’t just about plugging holes — it’s about survival. The Cavs are essentially holding open tryouts mid-playoffs.

The Cavs came out swinging in Game 2. Mitchell, Strus, and Jarrett Allen logged heavy minutes and helped Cleveland build a 20-point lead. The tone was physical, the execution was sharp — until fatigue and depth caught up with them. Indiana stormed back late, and Cleveland simply didn’t have enough left in the tank.

But that doesn’t mean they’re out. Donovan Mitchell’s playing hurt. The bench is duct-taped together. Yet somehow, the Cavs are still in this. Game 3 isn’t just about X’s and O’s — it’s about grit, legs, and who’s still standing by the final whistle.