Evan Mobley Final Injury Status For Cavs-Heat

Evan Mobley will play for the Cleveland Cavaliers for the first time in three weeks.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 12: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers brings the ball upcourt during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 12, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. The 76ers defeated the Cavaliers 123-121. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) / Jason Miller/GettyImages

The Cleveland Cavaliers are getting a familiar face back on Sunday evening against the Miami Heat. Evan Mobley will be back in the lineup after missing almost three weeks with an ankle sprain. The starting power forward will be on a minutes restriction of about 20-25 minutes for his first game back, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.

Mobley initially rolled his ankle after Cleveland’s loss to the New York Knicks on March 3. He came down awkwardly after putting down a two-handed dunk and immediately grabbed for the lower part of his leg. Mobley limped back to the locker room in visible pain.

The only report that the Cavs gave about Mobley’s status was that it was an ankle sprain. Then, a report came that Mobley would be out for “an extended time” with the injury. This caused fans to speculate that they wouldn’t see the power forward until closer to the playoffs, but the Wine and Gold are getting Mobley back with plenty of time to work his way back up to speed.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 12: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers brings the ball up court during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 12, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. The 76ers defeated the Cavaliers 123-121. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) / Jason Miller/GettyImages

Without him on the floor, the Cavs have noticeably struggled on the defensive end over the last month. Mobley is an All-NBA caliber player and has a defensive rating of 106.8 this season.

Cleveland has been playing hard basketball over the last two weeks, despite what their record shows. However, the players on the floor look gassed, and they’re in desperate need of some fresh bodies to contribute. Mobley returning to the floor will help the team’s depth and provide a boost in the areas they need it the most.