The Cleveland Cavaliers have taken the Eastern Conference by storm this year. At 29-20, they rank a solid fifth in the conference and are only three games behind the second-ranked Philadelphia 76ers. They’ll face the NBA-worst Houston Rockets tonight, and they may have to play without a key part of their turnaround. The latest Donovan Mitchell injury update reveals he is questionable with a groin injury. He missed three games before returning to the lineup on Tuesday. Bettors must seriously consider whether Donovan Mitchell is playing tonight before placing their wagers.
The Cavaliers and Rockets will tip off at 9 p.m. ET. Unfortunately, NBA DFS players and parlay bettors may not get an update until other games have tipped off. Those looking for an edge should heed this advice or check out the OddsShopper tools for sharp NBA bets. A full subscription to OddsShopper will help you find +ROI bets and become a profitable sports bettor!
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Donovan Mitchell Injury Update – NBA Betting Impact
The Cleveland Cavaliers had to play three games without Donovan Mitchell because of his groin injury. He returned to the lineup on Tuesday and played 38 minutes, but he failed to practice with the team on Wednesday. He seemingly aggravated the injury at the end of Tuesday’s game. “I’m praying that I’m alright,” Mitchell told reporters after the one-point loss.
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Cleveland draws Houston this evening, which should yield the team a win regardless of Mitchell’s status. The Cavs have gone a respectable 3-4 without Mitchell this year and beat Detroit, Oklahoma City and Milwaukee. Cleveland will also benefit from a rest advantage as the Rockets just hosted the Washington Wizards last night.
If Donovan Mitchell sits, Caris LeVert should enter Cleveland’s starting five at the two. LeVert started during Mitchell’s most recent three-game absence and averaged 19.3 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals or blocks per game — all well above his season averages. Veteran Ricky Rubio should also pick up some extra minutes off the bench.
Cavaliers-Rockets NBA Betting & DFS Advice
Mitchell’s absence would be big news for Cleveland. He leads the team in usage rate (30.8%), ahead of point guard Darius Garland (26.5%). Garland will see a considerable uptick in usage if Mitchell can’t go. He will cost NBA DFS players $8,600 at DraftKings but could easily hit value. Big man Kevin Love ($3,400) makes for an interesting buy-low candidate should Mitchell sit.
The Cleveland Cavaliers own an 8.5-point advantage over the Rockets at both DraftKings and FanDuel. It’s unclear as to whether that number means Mitchell plays. The Rockets have home-court advantage but are on a back-to-back and will play their fourth game in three days. Houston has only gone 10-11-2 against the spread at home, but Cleveland is a pathetic 8-14-2 against the spread on the road.
Bettors who think Mitchell will sit should head to DraftKings to back the Rockets as an 8.5-point underdog. This spread should move by a point or two if Mitchell gets ruled out, so getting the +8.5 now feels sharp. Those new to DraftKings can earn $200 in bonus bets with a $5 wager. Bettors in Ohio can score the same deal but via this link instead!
The legal gambling age is 21+ in most states. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.
