Cavaliers To Be Without Key Player With Ankle Sprain

The one thing you want to avoid during preseason, if it can at all be avoided, is injuries. The Cleveland Cavaliers are hoping that a new development at practice will be something relatively minor. They've learned that they'll be without 2nd-year sensation Evan Mobley for a bit of time.

Evan Mobley will miss 1-2 weeks with a right ankle sprain, the Cleveland Cavs have announced. pic.twitter.com/utRxkXP19s
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) October 3, 2022

Mobley apparently stepped on a teammate's foot at practice and rolled his ankle. He'll be out one to two weeks with right ankle sprain. The 21-year-old will now undergo a period of treatment and rehab, and if all goes well, he could still be in the starting lineup on opening night, just over two weeks from now, on Oct. 19th.

Mobley finished 2nd in the Rookie of the Year balloting last season behind the Toronto Raptors' Scottie Barnes. And it just so happens that will be the matchup on opening night.

Mobley's defense and poise were a huge part of the Cavs' renaissance last season, in combination with All-Stars Darius Miles and Jarrett Allen.

Now, of course, the Cavaliers have added Donovan Mitchell in an offseason trade, and they rightfully expect to be a power to be dealt with in the Eastern Conference all season.

Mobley finished his rookie year averaging 15 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks.