The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing the prospect of being significantly short-handed heading into their crucial Game 2 matchup against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday. Among the key players battling to return to full fitness is Evan Mobley, one of three Cavaliers stars whose status remains uncertain ahead of the must-win contest.
Mobley is officially listed as questionable due to a left ankle sprain sustained in Game 1. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year suffered the injury after landing awkwardly on Myles Turner’s foot while sinking a jump hook early in the fourth quarter. He appeared visibly limited for the remainder of the game, raising concerns about his availability moving forward.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson refrained from pointing fingers or labeling the play as dirty, but he did emphasize the need for officials to exercise better judgment in regulating the level of physicality allowed on the court.
"Myles Turner contests his 2-point shot, comes under, clearly under him," Atkinson said. "Shooters need space to land. And (Evan Mobley) is pushed off-balance, in our opinion, and tweaks his ankle pretty bad. I think you guys saw him limping the rest of the game. There was a big push to get him out. He wanted to stay in."
Apart from Evan Mobley, De'Andre Hunter (right thumb sprain) and Darius Garland (left great toe sprain) are also listed as questionable. All three players are expected to be game-time decisions, adding to the pressure on the Cavaliers to avoid a disastrous 0-2 start, especially with both opening games being played on their home court.
Game 2 between the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers will take place on Tuesday, May 6, at the Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The game will tip off at 7 p.m. EST (4 p.m. PT).
The Paces vs. Cavaliers game will be broadcast live on TNT and truTV. Fans can also live stream the game on the NBA League Pass and Fubo TV app and website (regional restrictions may apply).