Cavs’ Evan Mobley out, Ty Jerome questionable vs. Spurs

The Cavaliers are continuing their fairly wise trend of resting players during regular-season games as they head toward the playoffs.

This time, it will again be power forward Evan Mobley, who will be held out of Thursday’s home matchup against the Spurs. Mobley sat out the Cavs’ previous home game, a loss to the Magic.

The Cavaliers (58-14) have won two straight after a four-game slide — which started with that loss to Orlando. They currently hold a 4.5-game lead over the reigning champion Celtics for the top spot in the East, with 10 to go.

The good news is, their most-daunting trip of the season is over and they don’t have to hit a West Coast city again unless they reach the Finals. (And perhaps not even then.)

Mobley had a mixed performance on the trip, recording one of his best offensive outings in the loss to the Kings and delivering a stellar defensive effort in the win over the Trail Blazers. However, he failed to surpass 20 points in the other three games and struggled with rebounding in the loss to the Clippers.

On the season, Mobley is averaging 18.7 points and 9.4 rebounds per game.

Coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged after Tuesday’s victory that the month has been particularly taxing for the Cavaliers. The team has yet to play consecutive games in the same city this month and has spent significantly more time on the road.

With little left to play for in the regular season, Cleveland has opted to give rest to other key players, such as Donovan Mitchell, when possible. It’s not out of the question that another top player could sit out Friday’s game in Detroit.

In addition to Mobley’s absence, the Cavs may be without Ty Jerome, who is listed on the injury report with knee soreness. Rookie Jaylon Tyson will miss Thursday’s game due to a left knee bone bruise.

The Spurs, who are limping toward the end of the season, will be without Victor Wembanyama (blood clot), De’Aaron Fox (finger), and Charles Bassey (knee).