The Cleveland Cavaliers will be without Donovan Mitchell for their road game against the Detroit Pistons on February 27, 2026. He has been ruled out with a right groin strain. This will be his second straight missed game.
The matchup is set for 7:00 PM ET at Little Caesars Arena. Cleveland is already dealing with several injuries, which makes this a difficult spot as they try to stay consistent in the Eastern Conference standings.
Cleveland Cavaliers face short-handed test in Detroit (February 27, 2026)
Cleveland Cavaliers enter this game with a tight rotation. Mitchell’s absence removes their primary scorer and ball-handler. He is averaging 28.5 points per game this season, the highest of his career.
Detroit, led by Cade Cunningham, comes in with most of its main players available. That gives the Pistons a clear advantage in terms of lineup stability. Cleveland will need to adjust quickly, especially in the backcourt.
Why is Donovan Mitchell ruled out for the Detroit Pistons game (February 27, 2026)
Donovan Mitchell’s injury is listed as a right groin strain. It first showed up in the previous game and has now kept him out again. There is no clear timeline for his return.
Groin injuries can take time, especially for guards who rely on quick movement. The team is expected to manage the situation carefully rather than rush him back.
Cleveland Cavaliers injury report vs Pistons (February 27, 2026)
Cleveland has multiple players on the injury list:
|
Player |
Status |
Injury Reason |
|
Donovan Mitchell |
Out |
Right Groin; Strain |
|
Max Strus |
Out |
Left Foot; Jones Fracture Surgery |
|
James Harden |
Questionable |
Right Thumb; Fracture |
|
Dennis Schroder |
Questionable (Probable by 1:30 PM) |
Right Ankle; Sprain |
|
Keon Ellis |
Questionable |
Left Index Finger; Fracture |
|
Dean Wade |
Questionable (Doubtful by 1:30 PM) |
Right Ankle; Sprain |
Riley Minix is also out on a G League assignment.
Detroit Pistons injury report vs Cavaliers (February 27, 2026)
Detroit has a shorter injury list:
• Bobi Klintman: Out (G League – On Assignment)
• Chaz Lanier: Out (G League – On Assignment)
• Wendell Moore Jr.: Out (G League – Two-Way)
• Isaiah Stewart: Out (League Suspension)
Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, and Tobias Harris are all available.
Who fills the gap for Cleveland Cavaliers on Feb 27
With Mitchell out, Cleveland will likely give more minutes to Sam Merrill and Craig Porter Jr. Jarrett Allen will continue to handle the interior.
James Harden could take on more playmaking if he is available. The statuses of Dennis Schroder and Dean Wade will also affect the rotation. Players like Jaylon Tyson may see extra minutes.
