Cavs lose Evan Mobley for Heat matchup, face bigger challenge inside

The Cavs put together their best effort of the season Wednesday. Following it up just got more difficult.

Evan Mobley will miss Friday’s game at Miami with a sprained big toe, according to the NBA’s official injury report. He was hurt late in the win over the Knicks after going up for a block and taking a hard fall.

That leaves the Cavs without their most versatile defender against a frontcourt featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. There are easier assignments for a team trying to build some momentum.

Mobley finished Wednesday’s 115-107 victory with 10 points, five rebounds, four assists and a block in 33 minutes. His numbers weren’t overwhelming, but his ability to protect the basket, cover ground and defend different positions is difficult to replace.

That’s especially true against this opponent. Jarrett Allen, recently back from a knee injury, will carry more of the responsibility inside. He was an important part of the win at Madison Square Garden, collecting 14 rebounds and making several winning plays down the stretch.

The Cavs will need more of that Friday, along with help from whoever coach Kenny Atkinson puts around him.

Peyton Watson could slide to power forward, opening a starting spot for Tyrese Proctor or Jaylon Tyson. Mario Hezonja offers another option with size. Those are possibilities, with Atkinson’s replacement lineup still to be determined.

At 6-6, the Cavs are coming off a win that showed what this group can accomplish when everyone contributes. James Harden was outstanding, Donovan Mitchell delivered and the supporting cast did its part.

Friday’s NBA Cup game offers another chance to establish some consistency. They’ll have to pursue it without one of the players who makes that considerably easier.

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