Cavaliers Rumors: Evan Mobley Likely Out 'Extended Time' With Sprained Ankle Injury

Cleveland Cavaliers big man Evan Mobley is reportedly expected to miss "extended time" after suffering a sprained ankle in Tuesday's win over the Boston Celtics.

Shams Charania, Joe Vardon and Jason Lloyd of The Athletic reported Mobley is dealing with "significant swelling" and is without a timeline to return. Mobley turned his ankle after dunking the ball in the third quarter of the 105-104 victory.

The Cavs are already dealing with the absences of Donovan Mitchell and Max Strus. Mitchell received a Platelet-Rich Plasma injection in his left knee Monday and has been out of the lineup since Feb. 28. Strus suffered a knee strain in Sunday's loss to the New York Knicks and does not have a firm timetable for a return.

The injuries could not have come at a worse time for Cleveland, which had been sitting in the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Cavs are now 0.5 games behind the surging Milwaukee Bucks.

Cleveland can likely withstand a small downturn in performance given its 4.5-game lead over a group of five teams with 35 or 36 wins.

However, Mobley will leave the Cavs without a defensive stalwart in the middle of the paint. Mobley is averaging 15.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game this season while providing stellar work inside and versatility to handle opposing ball handlers on the perimeter.

Georges Niang or Dean Wade will likely step into the lineup to provide floor spacing in Mobley's absence.