Cavs: Starting lineup, rotation without Evan Mobley

Cavs: Starting lineup moving forward

Guards: Darius Garland, Isaac Okoro

Let’s take the lineup one position group at a time to lay out the Cavs’ best plan over the next few weeks. The starting backcourt is likely set, with Darius Garland the lone starter not to miss time recently despite having the most capable backup. Isaac Okoro has started every game since Collin Sexton went down, yet his offensive game has been really bad thus far and it’s not inconceivable he could lose his starting spot at some point.

Center: Jarrett Allen

The other clear lock to start over this next stretch is Jarrett Allen, who will hopefully return none the worse for wear from this non-COVID illness. He has been called upon to anchor this team on both defense and offense as an elite roll guy and offensive rebounder. With Mobley and Sexton out his offensive role may even increase from his career-best numbers.

Forwards: Dean Wade, Lauri Markkanen

This is the major question to be answered. Dean Wade has filled in at the 3 for Lauri Markkanen as the Cavs pursued staying “big” in the absence of their third tower. When Markkanen returns he will almost certainly start, although this time at his more natural power forward position. Will Wade start beside him?

Given J.B. Bickerstaff’s inclinations thus far, the guess here is that he will. Wade has been offensively unspectacular but defensively solid, and he knows where to be and when to shoot the open shot, something Okoro is still learning. The other options would be offensively-minded, Cedi Osman or Dylan Windler, but Bickerstaff has seemed to prioritize size and length thus far.