The Cleveland Cavs have received good news on the possible return date for rookie sensation Evan Mobley. The center has been out with an elbow injury, but is planning on returning to the lineup against the Orlando Magic on Saturday, per Shams Charania of The Athletic:
Suffering the injury on November 15, the USC product was expected to miss two to four weeks, but has expedited his recovery process. The third overall pick in the 2021 Draft has already proven to be a key part of the Cavs roster, as the past four games without him all turned out to be losses.
In fifteen games this season, the center has averaged 14.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.6 blocks a night, indicating his value as a versatile player. Before the elbow sprain, Mobley was one of the favorites to have a chance of winning Rookie of the Year. If he manages to come back on Saturday and plays at the level he has been playing, he will still have a strong likelihood of winning the award.
The Cleveland Cavs are currently 9-10. Prior to the team’s five game losing streak, they held a record of 9-5, surprising a plethora of NBA personnel with their success. Evan Mobley’s return to the lineup should hopefully help the Cavs find their former success and stop piling up the losses.