The Cavaliers can’t seem to catch a break on the injury front - and this latest one hits hard.
Evan Mobley is expected to miss one to three weeks after suffering a left calf strain during Monday night’s win over the Magic, the team announced. It’s a tough blow at a tough time.
Mobley had just dropped 20 points and pulled down nine boards in a 114-98 win that marked the Cavs’ fourth straight victory. Momentum was building.
Now, Cleveland finds itself back in familiar territory: scrambling to stay afloat with a banged-up roster.
And Mobley’s absence isn’t just another name on the injury report. He’s the defensive anchor, the guy who ties everything together on that end of the floor. His ability to protect the rim, switch onto smaller players, and initiate offense from the high post makes him one of the most versatile bigs in the league - and a core piece of what the Cavs want to be.
This injury comes at a time when Cleveland is already navigating a minefield of health issues. Darius Garland remains sidelined with a toe injury.
Sam Merrill is out with a wrist problem. Max Strus, who’s yet to suit up this season due to a foot issue, is still unavailable.
And De’Andre Hunter has missed the last two games with a knee injury.
So just when it looked like the Cavs were settling into a groove, the rotation takes another hit. Again.
But here’s the thing about this Cleveland team: they’ve shown they can fight through adversity. They’ve defended at a high level, leaned on their depth, and found ways to win even when the lineup card looks more like a triage report than a game plan. That grit has kept them competitive through the chaos.
Still, losing Mobley is different. He’s not just a piece - he’s a pillar.
His presence on both ends of the floor changes the geometry of the game. Without him, the Cavs will need to get creative.
That means more responsibility for Jarrett Allen. More touches for the wings.
More pressure on the guards to generate offense without their safety net behind them.
Cleveland has been trending in the right direction. Now comes the test: can they keep climbing with a patchwork lineup? We’re about to find out - again.