The Cleveland Cavaliers fell to a 1-3 series hole with the Boston Celtics after losing Game 4 at home.
The biggest difference was the absence of Donovan Mitchell, which was announced a few hours before tip-off.
NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski said Mitchell was scratched off from the lineup due to a calf strain.
Cavs coach JB Bickerstaff explained that his star's absence for the crucial Game 4 is precautionary.
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"He wants to play. He'll do everything in his power to play," he told reporters ahead of the Monday game.
"But, like we do with all our guys, if they can't put themselves in a position to protect themselves, we won't let them play."
The team already doesn't have Jarrett Allen, who has been out since Game 4 of their first-round series against the Orland Magic due to a right rib contusion.
Darius Garland tried all his might to pull off an upset win against the Boston Celtics, scoring 30 points while dishing out seven assists.
Evan Mobley contributed 19 and 9.
Still, the Celtics' firepower was too much for them, as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown easily found their strides, scoring 33 and 27 points, respectively.
Cavaliers fans are holding out hope that they will see Mitchell again in the series.
They are in a 1-3 hole, but the Cavs know a thing or two about recovering from a deficit.
However, it would be more possible if they will have Mitchell, the team's leading scorer in the playoffs, with 29.6 points per game.
Will he be able to return?
Donovan Mitchell injury status
Mitchell was on the Cavs' bench in Game 4 and was very active, clapping, supporting, and shouting commands to his teammates.
He was walking as if not injured, making fans think he might be available for Game 5.
Details of Donovan Mitchell's injury remain scarce, but the Cavaliers' not listing him out yet for Game 5 suggests some optimism about his status.
Mild cases of a calf strain usually take up to three days to heal.
Severe ones will require surgery and may take six months to recover fully.
Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis was diagnosed with the same injury during Game 4 of their first-round series against the Miami Heat and is expected to return only by the Eastern Conference finals.
The worst-case scenario is that he will only be able to return by the NBA finals if they make it there.
Right now, it looks like Mitchell will be listed day by day.
However, given his injury history and impending free agency, the team may not risk him anymore.
He will be eligible for a contract extension in the summer. If he refuses to re-sign, then trading him is an option.
The Cavs must keep him intact to keep his trade value high.
Mitchell joined Cleveland from the Utah Jazz in 2022 and has been a superstar for them, leading the scoring in all three seasons.
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