Scout: Cavaliers Battling Injuries, Waiting for Evan Mobley’s Next Step
SLUG: cavaliers-injuries-mobley-progress
The Cleveland Cavaliers bring a 10-6 record into Friday’s home matchup with the Indiana Pacers, a slower start than last year’s 15-1 surge. Missing several regulars has complicated the early schedule.
Who is out? All-Star point guard Darius Garland has appeared in only two games because of a toe injury, while offseason acquisition Max Strus has yet to debut due to a foot issue. Reserve guard Sam Merrill has also been sidelined. The absences have forced head coach J.B. Bickerstaff to shuffle lineups almost nightly.
What are scouts saying? A Western Conference scout told ESPN’s Tim Bontemps the Cavaliers “are down at least two starters” and noted the club still needs third-year forward Evan Mobley to elevate his game. “They’ve always needed Evan to get even better, and he’s not there yet,” the scout said. He added that, without Garland, the offense lacks its usual rhythm.
Areas of concern Rebounding and free-throw accuracy have been inconsistent, and Cleveland’s trademark defensive grit has not shown up every night. Even so, the Cavaliers sit fourth in the Eastern Conference standings with 66 games remaining.
Outlook Team officials have not given a firm timetable for Garland’s return, but optimism remains that the backcourt leader could be back soon. Until then, Cleveland will rely on Donovan Mitchell, Mobley and Jarrett Allen to keep pace in a crowded conference race.
Source: Hoops Wire
