The Cleveland Cavaliers have been playing their best basketball of the season of late, but that was before another former All-Star was added to the injury report.
The team announced that forward Evan Mobley injured his left calf during the team’s win over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday. An MRI the following day revealed a left calf strain that is expected to sideline him for one to three weeks.
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This isn’t a new injury for Mobley this season. He sustained a Grade 1 left calf strain on Dec. 12. That injury kept him out nearly two weeks.
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Calf injuries have become something of an epidemic in the NBA, given the speed and pace at which the game is being played. The Cavs will likely be cautious with Mobley because of that and due to it being a recurring injury.
The injury isn’t coming at a convenient time, although there’s never a good time to lose the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. The Cavs are already without point guard Darius Garland, who is out with a toe injury, and are set to go on a week-and-a-half Western Conference road trip starting on Friday. Missing only a week of games would have him missing games against the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and Portland Trail Blazers.
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However, if the injury keeps Mobley out for the full three-weeks, he wouldn’t return until after the All-Star break. That would have him missing seven games.
Additionally, this injury could mean that Mobley isn’t able to participate in the NBA All-Star Game if he were to make the team. Even if he does return before the break, there aren’t a lot of incentives to have him participate in an exhibition game.
The Cavs are 3-3 in games without Mobley this season. He’s averaging 17.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and four assists in 42 games played.
