After a strong statement win over the Chicago Bulls, the Cleveland Cavaliers followed it up with an even stronger dub over the Dallas Mavericks. Sure, it helped that the Cavs could get Caris LeVert back against the Mavs after Cleveland's swingman was dealing with a sore left knee. But heading back home to host the Milwaukee Bucks, the Cavs are flying high with tons of momentum in their corner.

But something may give Cleveland even more wind underneath their wings. And no, it's not a wintery gust off of Lake Erie. Instead, it's something even better: A Donovan Mitchell return from his illness.

After being sidelined for over a week with a non-COVID-related illness, Donovan Mitchell is considered a game-time decision against the Bucks. Sam Merrill, meanwhile, is listed as questionable with a nagging sore wrist after suffering an awkward fall against the Utah Jazz and missing several contests for the Cavs.

Finally, Emoni Bates (G League assignment), Isaiah Mobley (G League assignment), Darius Garland (jaw), Evan Mobley (knee), Ty Jerome (ankle), and Ricky Rubio (personal) remain out. Garland and Mobley won't even be considered an option for Cleveland a few weeks into 2024, while Rubio hasn't played for the Cavs this year. Jerome's last appearance was all the way back in Cleveland's home-opening loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

While Cleveland was again able to grind out a win over the more-talented albeit underperforming Bulls and an even more staggeringly talented Mavericks squad, the Cavs possibly getting Mitchell and Merrill back against the Bucks could be huge.

Sure, Milwaukee will be without the former Cavs duo of Marques Bolden (G League assignment) and Jae Crowder (surgery) along with TyTy Washington (G League assignment). But Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) could still be a major threat and likely seems inevitable. Antetokounmpo is probable against Cleveland and will likely be a game-time decision based on how his quad responds.

Mitchell Magic

Donovan Mitchell leads Cavs lengthy injury list against Sixers

That's why having Mitchell and Merrill back is vital for Cleveland to hang with Milwaukee, especially if Antetokounmpo is available for the Bucks, forming a lethal duo with superstar point guard Damian Lillard.

Mitchell is one of the biggest scoring threats on the Cavs. When he connects on a few baskets, he builds momentum and is almost impossible to contain. With Garland unavailable, Mitchell, LeVert and Craig Porter Jr. will have more shot opportunities and chances to build momentum early into this matchup with the Bucks. Considering how lethal Lillard and Antetokounmpo can be, Cleveland needs as much help as possible.

Granted, there was a similar sentiment when the Cavs went to Chicago to take on the Bulls or when they were in Dallas to face the Mavs. Cleveland needs more than a puncher's chance to assist in taking on such a lethal opponent.

There likely won't be a serious update on Mitchell's availability until moments before the game begins. If Mitchell can go, though, it will keep the momentum flowing in Cleveland's favor on the road.