Cleveland Cavaliers rookie big man Evan Mobley has been ruled out for the next three games as he rehabs a sprained left ankle, the team announced today.
He will miss the team’s upcoming games against the Dallas Mavericks (March 30), Atlanta Hawks (March 31) and New York Knicks (April 2).
An MRI administered on March 29 confirmed the injury that Mobley suffered against the Orlando Magic on March 28, and the 20-year-old will now undergo a period of treatment and rehabilitation. His return to play will be updated as appropriate.
Mobley’s absence will have an impact on both the Cavaliers’ push to get the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference, as well as the Rookie of the Year race.
The Cavaliers are currently one game behind the Toronto Raptors if they want to avoid the Play-In tournament, while Mobley was considered a frontrunner along with Scottie Barnes and Cade Cunningham for Rookie of the Year.
Without Mobley, Kevin Love, Lauri Markkanen and Lamar Stevens will be leaned on more in the frontcourt, while Moses Brown might get some more rotation minutes at center.
In 67 games this season, Mobley is averaging 14.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 50.6% from the field.
