Midway through the third quarter Tuesday night – shortly before the The Cavaliers began an epic comeback against the Celtics – Evan Mobley rolled his ankle and limped off the field only to return.
Now come learn that an MRI confirms a sprained left ankle that will keep him out for at least a week and potentially a little longer.
One week may be optimistic, Mobley could miss extended time, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
The Cavaliers are already without All-Star Donovan Mitchell, who could return in future games after receiving treatment for a bone bruise in the knee.
Mobley is part of the Cavaliers’ core and is averaging 15.6 points and 10.2 assists per game. He missed six weeks earlier this season after being diagnosed with a knee injury. The team is used to him but they don’t play better without him. Mobley is one of the best defensive men in the league – the Cavaliers’ defense is 2.6 points per 100 possessions better when he’s on the court – and along with Jarrett Allen, he forms one of the best defensive backcourts fiercest of the league. The Cavaliers have the third-ranked defense in the NBA this season.
