Home / Sports / Allen Out! Mobley Steps Up for Cavs vs Magic
Allen Out! Mobley Steps Up for Cavs vs Magic
11 Mar
Summary
- Jarrett Allen is sidelined with knee tendinitis for the third consecutive game.
- Evan Mobley is expected to handle increased offensive duties for the Cavaliers.
- The Cavaliers are favored against a Magic team missing key players.
Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen has been ruled out of Wednesday night's game against the Orlando Magic, marking his third consecutive absence due to right knee tendinitis.
Allen had participated in individual drills earlier this month but has not yet recovered sufficiently to return to play. The Cavaliers are expected to lean on Evan Mobley to manage the center position and increase his offensive workload.
Despite Allen's unavailability, the Cavaliers are favored by 3.5 points on the road against the Magic. Orlando is also shorthanded, missing both Franz Wagner and Anthony Black.
This season, Allen has averaged 15.3 points and 8.5 rebounds over 51 games. Since February 1, his performance has notably improved, with averages of 21.0 points and 10.5 rebounds in 13 games.
Allen's absence is anticipated to create more pick-and-roll opportunities for Mobley. However, the Magic possess a strong defense, ranking 11th in defensive rating.
Mobley has averaged 19.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 14 games when Allen is out this season, scoring at least 15 points in 11 of those contests.
He has consistently scored 15 or more points in his last five games, including previous matchups against Orlando this season. With James Harden now on the Cavaliers, Mobley is expected to benefit significantly from his playmaking.
