NBA Rumors: Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell 'Prioritizing the Playoffs' amid Injuries

Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell is "prioritizing the playoffs" as he deals with multiple injuries during the stretch run of the NBA season, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

Charania discussed Mitchell's situation on FanDuel TV's Run It Back:

The five-time All-Star has missed nine of the Cavs' last 11 games. He was initially sidelined due to a bone bruise in his left knee and then underwent surgery for a nasal fracture.

Charania's report would seem to indicate Mitchell will be more deliberate with his recovery plan. He may have rushed back to the court when he suited up for Cleveland's 116-95 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on March 13.

Cleveland can afford to have Mitchell take some extra time if he needs it. The team is third in the Eastern Conference, two games ahead of the Orlando Magic to at least secure home court in the first round and five games up on the Miami Heat in seventh place.

Mitchell's availability in the postseason will obviously be critical for the Cavaliers. As much as they've successfully weathered a number of injuries across the roster so far, they can't afford to be shorthanded in a seven-game series.

The team will also want the 6'3" guard to be back in the lineup a little before the playoffs tip off, that way he can shake off any rust and be sharp for the first round.