Cleveland Cavaliers star Evan Mobley is expected to miss between two and four weeks due to a left calf injury, the team announced Saturday.
Mobley suffered the injury during Cleveland’s 130-126 win over the Washington Wizards on Friday, but was able to finish the game. An MRI later revealed a Grade 1 calf strain.
He ended Friday’s matchup with 23 points, 13 rebounds and six assists in 36 minutes on the floor. Mobley shot 7-of-17 from the field and 2-of-6 from three-point territory.
Injuries haven’t been a consistent issue for the 24-year-old as of late, appearing in at least 70 games in two of the past three years. He also suited up in 25 of Cleveland’s first 26 contests this season prior to the calf issue.
Still, it’s worth noting that Mobley only appeared in 50 games during his 2023-24 campaign after undergoing left knee surgery.
He wasn’t affected by the procedure the following season, earning the first All-Star nod of his career before taking home Defensive Player of the Year honors.
This season, Mobley is recording 19.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 49.6 percent from the field and 35.2 percent from behind the arc.
He’s also remained a key piece of Cleveland’s defense, as his average of 10.6 contested shots per game is the fifth-highest in the league (via NBA.com).
The Cavaliers are still searching for some consistency following a 64-18 finish last season, as they currently sit at No. 7 in the Eastern Conference standings with a 15-11 record.
Until Mobley is able to return, Dean Wade is a top candidate to replace him in Cleveland’s starting lineup.
