The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to navigate another challenging stretch as starting forward Evan Mobley is expected to miss significant time due to a sprained left ankle. The injury occurred during an unexpected victory over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday.
Although an official timeline is pending until the swelling subsides, multiple league sources have indicated that Mobley’s absence is likely to be extensive.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley is likely to miss extended time with a sprained left ankle, sources say.
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Mobley sustained the ankle injury during an impactful dunk with 5:29 remaining in the third quarter of the Cavaliers’ remarkable 105-104 comeback win against the Celtics. Overcoming a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter, the Cavaliers secured a victory that showcased their resilience.
In the wake of Mobley’s injury, his teammate Sam Merrill committed a foul to facilitate his exit from the game, allowing medical attention.
Mobley, an integral part of the team’s defense and averaging 15.6 points and 10.2 rebounds this season, left Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on crutches and was officially ruled out for the subsequent game against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night.
Mobley’s absence will be deeply felt by the Cavaliers, especially considering his role as an All-NBA defender. The forward had previously missed six weeks from mid-December to late January due to minor knee surgery. In the latest victory against the Celtics, Dean Wade stepped up in Mobley’s absence, contributing 20 of his 23 points during the fourth-quarter comeback.
Adding to the Cavaliers’ injury woes, starters Donovan Mitchell (left knee) and Max Strus (right knee) are also sidelined this week, leaving the team without three-fifths of their usual starting lineup. Despite the challenges, the Cavaliers are trailing the Milwaukee Bucks by only half a game for the second spot in the Eastern Conference.
As the Cavaliers brace themselves for a demanding period without key players, the focus now shifts to their ability to maintain momentum and competitiveness in the Eastern Conference standings.
