Donovan Mitchell Cleared for Action Against Former Team
Basketball fans can expect to see Donovan Mitchell on the court when the Cleveland Cavaliers welcome the Utah Jazz to Rocket Arena this Sunday. The January 12, 2026 matchup carries extra significance as Mitchell faces the team that drafted him into the NBA.
Team officials have confirmed Mitchell's availability with no injury concerns or rest plans affecting his participation. All signs point to the star guard playing his usual minutes in what promises to be an emotionally charged contest.
Game Details and Broadcast Information
The Cavaliers will host the Jazz at 7:00 PM Eastern Time in Cleveland. Local television coverage will be available on KJZZ and FDSOH, while Jazz+ will provide additional broadcasting options. For streaming viewers, Fubo will carry the game live across its platforms.
Cleveland enters this game with considerable momentum following an impressive offensive display against Minnesota. The Cavaliers secured a 146-134 victory that saw them explode for 83 points in the second half alone. Mitchell contributed 28 points in that win, with many coming during crucial late-game moments.
Utah arrives in Cleveland under very different circumstances. The Jazz suffered a devastating 150-95 loss to Charlotte in their previous outing, marking the worst defeat in franchise history since the team relocated to Salt Lake City.
Mitchell's Current Form and Statistical Outlook
All indicators suggest Mitchell will play his regular role against Utah. Betting markets reflect this expectation with his points prop set at 29.5, alongside projections of 4.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 3.5 made three-pointers.
The guard's season averages support these numbers. Mitchell currently contributes 5.6 assists per game while making 3.9 three-pointers at a 38.5 percent success rate from beyond the arc. His most recent performance included four three-pointers on ten attempts.
These home numbers become particularly relevant against a Utah defense that allows shooting guards to make 3.83 three-pointers per game on average. Mitchell's shooting volume and efficiency create favorable conditions for exceeding his three-point projection.
Team Context and Roster Situations
Mitchell's history with Utah adds narrative weight to this matchup. The Cavaliers acquired him in a 2022 trade after he spent four productive seasons with the Jazz organization.
Utah's current roster bears little resemblance to the teams Mitchell played with during his tenure. The franchise finds itself in a rebuilding phase that has produced defensive struggles throughout the season. The Jazz currently rank last in the league in defensive rating.
Injury concerns further complicate Utah's situation. The team has recently rested Lauri Markkanen and will be without Walker Kessler for the remainder of the season following shoulder surgery. Jusuf Nurkic also deals with a toe issue that could limit his effectiveness.
Cleveland enjoys much better health fortunes. The Cavaliers field a fully healthy roster coming off a historic offensive performance where five different players scored at least 20 points in the same game. This achievement hadn't occurred for the franchise since 1972.
Matchup Analysis and Betting Perspectives
Mitchell should encounter favorable defensive matchups against Utah's backcourt. The Jazz will likely deploy Keyonte George and Brice Sensabaugh as primary defenders against Cleveland's scoring guard.
Cleveland's projected starting lineup features Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Tyson, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. This group holds clear advantages over Utah's expected starters, which include rookie Ace Bailey alongside Lauri Markkanen.
From a betting standpoint, Mitchell's three-point projection deserves particular attention. His combination of shooting volume, home performance trends, and Utah's perimeter defensive weaknesses creates strong conditions for exceeding the 3.5 made three-pointers line.
If Cleveland establishes early control, Mitchell will still likely carry significant scoring responsibility. The Cavaliers consistently feature him as the focal point of their offensive schemes regardless of game situations.
This matchup presents compelling basketball narratives beyond the basic win-loss implications. Mitchell's return against his former team, combined with the contrasting trajectories of both franchises, should produce an engaging Sunday night contest for NBA enthusiasts.
