Mitchell Played Through Hamstring, Questionable Oct. 31

Donovan Mitchell was listed questionable with left hamstring tightness ahead of Cleveland’s NBA Emirates Cup game vs. Toronto on Oct. 31 after being a late addition to earlier injury reports, making him effectively a game‑time decision. He nonetheless played in the Cavs’ recent road game at Boston after pregame warmups, started strongly before visibly laboring and finished with a season‑low 15 points, prompting debate about whether he should have sat to protect the hamstring. Mitchell remains Cleveland’s primary scoring option early in the season (about 28–31 points per game), and his availability is especially critical while Darius Garland (foot), Max Strus (foot) and Sam Merrill (hip) are sidelined. Jarrett Allen is also listed as questionable with a non‑displaced fracture in his left finger and could miss time, which would shift minutes to Evan Mobley and other role players. Coach Kenny Atkinson has expressed confidence in Mitchell, but heavy early minutes and a road‑heavy schedule have intensified scrutiny over workload management and who would absorb usage if he’s held out.