Even though the Cleveland Cavaliers are exceeding expectations early on in the year, a growing injury list could derail their success.
At 9-6 the Cleveland Cavaliers have far exceed anyone’s realistic expectations for this team. A team that has struggled to find an identity over the past few seasons combined with a roster that does not appear to be constructed properly has outperformed the wildest dreams of even the most optimistic fan thus far. Unfortunately the Cavs are seeing more players end up on the injury report and that could result in a change in fortune.
The Cavaliers will be without Evan Mobley, Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, Lamar Stevens, and Jarrett Allen Wednesday night in Brooklyn. Kevin Love is provable to return, but that is not guaranteed.
So, here's a quick rundown going forward for the #Cavs:
Evan Mobley – OUT 2-4 weeks.
Collin Sexton – No update.
Kevin Love – Return probable tomorrow.
Lauri Markkanen – Remains out.
Lamar Stevens – Remains out.
Jarrett Allen – Remains out, will not play tomorrow against Nets.— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) November 16, 2021
The biggest loss for the Cavs is obviously Mobley. Mobley is the clear Rookie of the Year frontrunner and losing such a dynamic unique player is huge, even without missing everyone else.
Cleveland has mostly won this season due to a sum of their parts and not necessarily one player in particular. As more players are removed from the equation in addition to a schedule which has them facing Brooklyn twice, Golden State, and Phoenix in the next seven days, things could change really quick for the Cavaliers if players do not start returning sooner rather than later.
