Cavaliers without Donovan Mitchell, Caris LeVert as they try to stave off elimination vs. Celtics

BOSTON (AP) — The Cleveland Cavaliers will try to extend their season without All-Star Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert, who were both ruled out prior to Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinals matchup with Boston on Wednesday night.

Mitchell is dealing with a strained left calf and LeVert has a bruised left knee. The Cavs trail the matchup with the Celtics 3-1. Cleveland will also be without center Jarrett Allen for the eighth consecutive game as he continues to work back from a rib injury he sustained in the previous round against Orlando.

Center Kristaps Porzingis remains out for Boston with a strained right calf. He has not played in this series.

Mitchell's teammates stepped up in his absence in Game 4, falling 109-102 in the closest game of the matchup.

Mitchell is averaging 29.6 points in these playoffs. LeVert is averaging 10.1 points off the bench.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell looks on during the the first half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics, Monday, May 13, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Dermer)

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) goes to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guards Darius Garland, right, and Caris LeVert (3) during the second half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series, Monday, May 13, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Dermer)

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