The Cleveland Cavaliers expect Evan Mobley to be out for one to three weeks after an MRI taken Tuesday confirmed a strain in his left calf, the team said.
The 7-footer felt tightness in the calf during Monday’s victory over the Orlando Magic and did not finish the game. He will begin treatment immediately, according to the club.
Injuries have plagued Cleveland throughout the season. Point guard Darius Garland has already missed 22 games, center Jarrett Allen 11, swingman Sam Merrill 24, and forward Max Strus has yet to appear while recovering from foot surgery. Even normally durable starters such as Donovan Mitchell and second-year wing Jaylon Tyson have sat out at times.
A one-week absence would sideline Mobley for three contests and allow a possible return before next Thursday’s trade deadline. A full three-week recovery would keep him out until after the All-Star break, costing at least seven games.
The Cavaliers have won four straight and six of their last seven. With Mobley on the court this season, they own a +5.5 net rating; that figure drops to –1.3 when he sits. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year is Cleveland’s third-leading scorer.
Source: Hoops Rumors
