Evan

Mobley

Mobley suffered a calf injury in Monday’s game against the Magic. A Tuesday MRI revealed a left calf strain. The 24-year-old center is set to miss the next 1-3 weeks before he’s re-evaluated. Dean Wade should continue to start for Cleveland with Mobley sidelined and every Cavaliers starter should see a boost in usage.

Mobley followed an inefficient 13-point showing against the Magic on Saturday with a much better overall performance in Monday’s rematch. He shot the ball well, leading him to finish as one of two Cavaliers players to score at least 20 points. Additionally, his solid work on the glass left him just shy of a double-double. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year added a couple of blocks on defense and even chipped in a three-pointer on the end, giving him a fine fantasy basketball performance altogether. He’ll have a chance to put together another good stat line on Wednesday against the Lakers.

Mobley had a rough stretch as a rebounder earlier this month, but the last two games have shown that won’t continue. He recorded his second straight double-double and matched his season high for both points and assists. Mobley has had a strong season overall, though his points, rebounds and shooting percentages are down from last season. He’ll look to stay hot in Orlando on Saturday.

Not only did Mobley record his 16th double-double, but he also matched his season-high with 14 rebounds. Add in the steals and blocks, and this was a good night for Mobley managers, even with the limited scoring. Over the past two weeks, Mobley has offered top-20 per-game value in eight- and nine-cat formats. The Cavaliers return home to host the Kings on Friday.

After a modest effort in Monday’s loss to the Jazz, Mobley was more impactful, especially defensively, on Wednesday. He recorded four blocked shots, the sixth time this season he’s either met or exceeded that number. The double-double was Mobley’s first in six games and 15th of the season, and he’s dished out 14 assists over his last two games. He’ll look to replicate Wednesday’s performance when the Cavaliers face the 76ers again on Friday.

Though he didn’t contribute as much on the glass as he typically does, Mobley was able to pour in the points. This was his highest scoring performance since November. Still, his fantasy impact has been limited recently by a lack of rebounds. He has a total of 18 rebounds over his last four games, which is well below his season average of 8.6 boards per game. He had at least 10 rebounds in the two games prior to this stretch, and he’ll look to get back on track against the Jazz on Monday.

Mobley’s near-20-point effort on efficient shooting was the highlight of the night for the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. He added in a trio of threes for the seventh time this season, as well. Yet he was unspectacular on the glass and finished with just one stock. Mobley has certainly had better days — he’ll have a chance to put up better numbers on Saturday against this same Timberwolves team.

Much to the delight of fantasy managers who have him rostered, Mobley continues to rack up the blocked shots. With his four on Sunday, the Cavaliers’ forward/center has tallied 15 over his last four appearances. The height of Mobley’s fantasy ceiling is partly determined by Jarrett Allen’s availability, and he did not play on Sunday due to illness. While he has not reached his lofty ADP (19), Mobley has been a fourth-round player in eight-cat formats over the past week.

Mobley’s first few games since returning from a calf injury have been rough, but this one was strong. He had his first double-double since his return in his second game back in the starting lineup and was one of three Cavs to record a double-double in this game. Mobley also matched his season high for blocks in the win. It has been a subpar stretch for Cleveland, but if Mobley continues to play like this, they’ll rise back up the standings.

After coming off the bench in his first two games back from a strained calf, Mobley is back in the starting lineup. However, the Cavaliers will go big, with Sam Merrill heading to the bench while Wade remains with the starters. The other four starters are unchanged.