Will the Cleveland Cavaliers‘ fast start withstand injuries to multiple starters?
After losing starting guard Collin Sexton to a meniscus tear last week, the Cavaliers announced Tuesday that fast-starting rookie Evan Mobley will miss the next two to four weeks with a ligament sprain in his right elbow.
In years past, such injuries might not have been a concern, as Cleveland rebuilt through the draft. That’s changed early this season, however, as the Cavaliers have surged to fifth in the Eastern Conference standings by starting 9-6.
Already, Cleveland is assured of being above-.500 deeper into the season than at any other point since LeBron James‘ departure for the Los Angeles Lakers in the summer of 2018. (Last year’s Cavaliers started 8-7 before fading.)
Although Mobley should be back by the end of December, Sexton’s timetable hasn’t yet been announced. Presumably, he and the team are deciding on the appropriate treatment for his meniscus tear, which will determine whether his absence could extend much of the season.
Let’s take a look at how Cleveland will replace Mobley and Sexton, and what it means to the Cavaliers’ hopes of returning to the playoffs ahead of schedule.
