The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to face off against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night at Rocket Arena, marking the return to action after the All-Star break. Exciting news for Cavs fans: Evan Mobley is back in the lineup, playing his first game since January 26.
Dean Wade is also making a comeback after being sidelined since February 4. On the other side, the Nets will be without Nic Claxton for the second consecutive game.
Evan Mobley’s return is a big boost for Cleveland. He’s been out for the last seven games due to soreness in his left calf. Head coach Kenny Atkinson confirmed that both Mobley and Wade were on track to play after participating fully in Wednesday's practice.
In his last outing, Mobley put up an impressive 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks against the Orlando Magic. Wade, known for his strong perimeter defense, will be crucial, especially with Nae'Qwan Tomlin out due to a left calf issue.
As for the Nets, they’ll miss Claxton again, and recent acquisition Josh Minott is currently on a G League assignment with Long Island. Brooklyn’s rookie Ben Saraf will join him, along with the team’s trio of two-way players.
Here’s a quick look at the injury and assignment list:
- Nae'Qwan Tomlin: OUT (left calf soreness)
- Max Strus: OUT (left foot surgery)
- Tristan Enaruna: OUT (two-way G League assignment)
- Emanuel Miller: OUT (two-way G League assignment)
- Riley Minix: OUT (two-way G League assignment)
- Nic Claxton: OUT (right ankle sprain)
- Ben Saraf: OUT (G League assignment)
- Josh Minott: OUT (G League assignment)
- E.J. Liddell: OUT (two-way G League assignment)
- Tyson Etienne: OUT (two-way G League assignment)
- Chaney Johnson: OUT (two-way G League assignment)
With Mobley and Wade back on the court, the Cavaliers are looking to make a strong push post-break. Keep an eye on how these returning players impact the game dynamics as they aim to capitalize on their full-strength lineup.