Cleveland Cavaliers starting forward Evan Mobley is expected to face another extended absence due to a sprained left ankle. This injury occurred during a surprising win against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday. Sources close to the league revealed this information to The Athletic.
Although an official timeline has not been announced yet, it is expected that Mobley will be out of action for a significant period. One source mentioned that it will take some time for the swelling to subside, while another source indicated that Mobley will be sidelined for a considerable duration.
The injury occurred during the third quarter of the game when Mobley executed a successful dunk with only 5 minutes and 29 seconds remaining. Despite being able to make a remarkable comeback in the fourth quarter and win the game, Mobley suffered the unfortunate injury. Teammate Sam Merrill committed a foul after Mobley turned his ankle, allowing the Cavs to take him out of the match. Mobley left the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on crutches and was consequently ruled out for the team’s game against the Atlanta Hawks the following night.
Mobley, known for his impressive defensive skills, has been a key contributor to the team’s success this season, averaging 15.6 points and 10.2 rebounds. Earlier in the season, he missed six weeks due to minor knee surgery. In Tuesday’s victory, Mobley’s replacement, Dean Wade, played a crucial role, scoring 20 of his 23 points during the team’s fierce fourth-quarter comeback.
Unfortunately, Mobley is not the only Cavaliers player currently dealing with injuries. The team is also missing starters Donovan Mitchell (left knee) and Max Strus (right knee), amplifying the impact of Mobley’s absence. With three-fifths of their usual starting lineup unavailable, the Cavaliers are facing a challenging period.
Currently, the Cavaliers are trailing the Milwaukee Bucks by only half a game for second place in the Eastern Conference. Despite the setbacks, the team remains determined to compete and maintain their position in the standings.
In conclusion, Evan Mobley’s injury comes as a significant blow to the Cleveland Cavaliers. His absence, along with other key players’ injuries, adds to the team’s challenges. However, the Cavaliers are no strangers to adversity and will undoubtedly continue to fight and strive for success on the court.
[Image: Ken Blaze / USA Today]