The Cavaliers will once again be without starter Evan Mobley and key contributor Isaac Okoro for Monday’s matchup against the visiting Phoenix Suns (3:30 p.m. EST).
This will mark the second consecutive game that both have been sidelined. Mobley, who’s nursing a right calf strain, has not played since the Cavs’ disappointing loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. In that game, he struggled, finishing with just 5 points in 18 minutes of action during a 134-114 blowout.
Meanwhile, Okoro continues to deal with a lingering shoulder injury he sustained in December. Despite playing through the injury in five games since, his shooting has been a significant concern, as he’s gone just 1-of-17 from three-point range during this stretch.
The Cavaliers will be hoping that more time for Okoro to heal will help him regain his form, especially considering his importance as one of the team’s top perimeter defenders.
Cleveland did a commendable job overcoming the absences of both Mobley and Okoro in their win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. Their defense, which struggled in the first half, came together after the break to seal the victory.
But Monday’s afternoon game against Phoenix will present a much tougher challenge, especially with the Suns’ potent scoring duo of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker expected to be in the lineup.
Both players are among the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons, so the Cavs’ defense will have to be sharp if they hope to slow them down.
Anyway, also on the injury front, Luke Travers and Emoni Bates, both currently on G League assignments, are the only other Cavs listed.
This means Cleveland’s depth, which has been a key factor in their impressive 35-6 record, will be tested once again.
Despite the absences, the Cavs are in a great position, sitting 6.5 games ahead of the Boston Celtics in the East. With a win on Monday, they’ll look to further cement their place atop the standings and extend their lead in what has already been a remarkable season.
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The refs again allows Lu Dort to simply run straight into players without consequence. Not sure what play Mobley got hurt on, but it might have been the one he jumped up and caught the pass, while Dort ran directly into his legs as he was coming down. No call. I guess they’re waiting for him to injure the league’s stars before they want to pay attention to it.
Okoro’s been diving on the floor with that shoulder injury. Have a feeling he’s destined for and eventual surgery.
I hope Travers can get some more run (when healthy) with the Cavs. He plays better with better players. Looked really good in those spare minutes earlier this season.,