Just as they’ve done for the last few seasons, the Cleveland Cavaliers seem to be on a tear in the Eastern Conference, posting a record of 28-20, which is enough to see them in sole possession of the fifth seed.
This can be attributed to a few things, including the offensive surge that Donovan Mitchell has been providing for Cleveland, putting up a team-high 29.5 points per game on an efficient 48.5 percent shooting from the field.
While Darius Garland has been providing a noteworthy 18 points per night, there’s an argument to be made that Evan Mobley is just as an important cog in the machine, as he has been a unit on both ends of the court. On the offensive end of things, Mobley is averaging 17.9 points per game, while he is putting up two blocks per game on the defensive side of the court.
However, it appears that the Cavaliers will have to be without their two-way threat in the front court as Mobley is expected to miss some time.
According to a post made by the Cavaliers, Mobley is sidelined with a left calf strain and will be out for 1-3 weeks.
The initial worry regarding Mobley's health came after the reigning Defensive Player of the Year had tightness in his left calf following the Cavaliers’ 114-98 win over the Orlando Magic on Monday night.
Mobley's recent injury to his calf isn't the first to happen this season, as the 24-year-old missed out on five games in December due to a similar strain, but beyond that, he’s been a constant feature for Cleveland.
This is certain to leave Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson in quite the tough spot, having to choose from De'Andre Hunter, Nae'Qwan Tomlin, and Dean Wade to fill in for the former All-Star.
The Cavaliers’ first game without Mobley will come on Wednesday night, when they’re set to welcome the Los Angeles Lakers into the Rocket Arena, with tip-off slated for 7:00 p.m. EST.
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