BROOKLYN — Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Evan Mobley will return to the lineup Friday night against the Brooklyn Nets.
Mobley, who has missed five games with a sprained left ankle, will start at center and be on a slight minutes restriction, expected to play around 30 minutes, sources say. Moses Brown, the recent fill-in center, will move back to a reserve role.
After practicing in full Thursday afternoon and then going through the team’s walkthrough Friday in New York, Mobley didn’t have any issues, getting official clearance to return.
“It helps a lot,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “Obviously what he does defensively, his ability to guard multiple positions, his ability to protect the rim, challenge shots at the rim, change shots at the rim. Offensively, a playmaking big guy so we can get the ball to him on different spots on the floor and allow him to make plays from all over the floor. His ability to score the basketball. He brings a lot to us.”
Mobley, one of the top candidates for Rookie of the Year, got hurt in the second quarter of the March 28 home win over Orlando, as he landed awkwardly on Magic rookie Franz Wagner’s foot while attempting to contest a shot. Discussing the injury with a small group of reporters, including cleveland.com following Thursday’s practice, Mobley said he wasn’t sure about the severity of the injury when it happened nearly two weeks ago.
Over the last five games — a tough stretch coinciding with All-Star center Jarrett Allen being sidelined because of a fractured middle finger on his left hand — the Cavs have felt Mobley’s absence. Without him, the Cavs are just 1-4, including a baffling loss Tuesday night in Orlando.
Mobley called the injury frustrating, especially with so much on the line late in the season.
The floundering Cavs finish their two game-road trip in Brooklyn tonight before Sunday’s regular season finale against the Milwaukee Bucks. One game ahead of the Nets for seventh place in the Eastern Conference, the Cavs are guaranteed a play-in berth, having to battle for one of the final two playoff spots starting on April 12. But their seeding — Nos. 7-10 — remains undetermined.
In 67 games, Mobley is averaging 14.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists.
Tipoff against Brooklyn is set for 7:30 p.m.
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