I think it’s more than fair to say that the Cleveland Cavaliers‘ 9-6 record to start the season surprised almost everyone around the NBA. Center Jarrett Allen is looking like one of the best centers in the league, averaging just over 14 points per game and hauling in almost 11 rebounds per game. On top of that the backcourt duo of Collin Sexton and Darius Garland has been very good so far this year. The “SexLand” duo have combined to average over 32 points per game. Unfortunately for the Cavs, those good vibes have been undercut by a string of injuries and unavailable players.
Collin Sexton was injured in their matchup with the New York Knicks just over a week ago. He underwent further testing and it was confirmed he had a torn meniscus, which can take anywhere from 2-4 months to recover. With Sexton expected to miss significant time, other players had to step up for the Cavaliers.
General manager Koby Altman’s two offseason acquisitions, Ricky Rubio and Lauri Markkanen, have looked like new players in Cleveland. Even Kevin Love was out there getting rebounds and hitting open threes. Nonetheless, then came another stroke of bad luck, as Love and Markkanen were entered into the NBA’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
Both are expected to return to the court this week, or at least it seems Love will be. The good thing that came out of Love and Markkanen being sidelined, is that number three overall pick Evan Mobley was able to open up his offensive arsenal more, and be one of the first options down the court without Sexton. However, just as things were going well, and the Cavs had won 6 of their last 7 games, Mobley injured his right elbow in Monday night’s loss to the Boston Celtics in something of a freak tangling-up with Boston center Enes Kanter. He looked fine, and even came back in at a point in the fourth quarter. But, with about five minutes to go, he headed for the locker room.
This morning Mobley underwent further testing and per a Cavs team announcement, he’ll be out for approximately 2-4 weeks.
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) November 16, 2021
This is another tough blow for the Cavs, who were already dealing with injuries/absences.
I think all of us Cavs fans were holding our breaths after last night. Simply put, the Cavaliers wouldn’t be able to withstand any type of winning basketball with Sexton, Mobley, Love, and Markkanen all out. Even though this is not the best update we could’ve gotten, it certainly wasn’t the worst.
On Wednesday the Cavs will have to take on James Harden, Kevin Durant, and the Brooklyn Nets, at the Barclay’s Center. Hopefully Love and Markkanen, or even one of them, is able to return for the game. Here is the current injury layout for the Cavs:
So, here's a quick rundown going forward for the #Cavs:
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) November 16, 2021
Evan Mobley - OUT 2-4 weeks.
Collin Sexton - No update.
Kevin Love - Return probable tomorrow.
Lauri Markkanen - Remains out.
Lamar Stevens - Remains out.
Jarrett Allen - Remains out, will not play tomorrow against Nets.
Darius Garland, Ricky Rubio, and Cedi Osman really need to step up this next month if the Cavs want to be competing at the end of the season. On top of that, this is a huge opportunity for Isaac Okoro, the 2021 first-round pick. He’s a superb defender, and runs the floor well. However, he doesn’t have a lot to offer on the offensive side of the court.
If Okoro can step up and help keep the Cavs afloat, it would be a nice lift. If Garland can fully assume the offensive mantle that would be valuable for the present and the future. If Love or Markkanen come back and pick up where they left off, this team could stay competitive. They will need to be to hold the line until their injured forces return.