CLEVELAND, Ohio — When Donovan Mitchell appeared on the pre-game injury report with hamstring tightness, many assumed the Cavs would err on the side of caution with their franchise cornerstone. Instead, Mitchell suited up, started hot with 12 first-quarter points, and then visibly labored through the remainder of the game, scoring just three points the rest of the way.

The decision sparked an immediate debate on the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, with host Ethan Sands taking a firm stance against the choice to play Mitchell.

“I don’t think he should have played tonight,” Sands declared. “I think this is a situation where you got to save your player from himself, especially this early on into the season.”

It’s a reasonable position considering Cleveland’s demonstrated caution with injuries

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