The Cavaliers may be without their most important defender against the Heat

 

 

The Cleveland Cavaliers, who are currently on a two-game winning streak and are embarking on a lengthy Eastern Conference road trip, may be missing a few key players when they go to South Beach to face the Miami Heat on Friday. Emoni Bates (NBA G League Assignment), Ty Jerome (ankle), Carmelo Anthony (knee), and Ricky Rubio (personal) will be out for the Cavs.

Rubio’s absence, as usual, should come as no surprise. Cleveland is allowing Rubio as much time as possible to prioritize and concentrate on his mental health. Jerome hasn’t played since Cleveland’s home opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and there’s no word on when he’ll return.

Meanwhile, LeVert is still out with the same knee issue that has kept him out of the Cavaliers’ last two games against the Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic. J.B. Bickertaff, the Cavs’ head coach, said LeVert is going with the club on this multi-game road trip, hoping the experienced guard will be able to play at some point as long as he feels 100%. While it is unlikely to happen against the Heat, LeVert might see action against either the Orlando Magic or the Boston Celtics.

The biggest surprise on Cleveland’s injury report heading into their South Beach clash is that standout big man Evan Mobley is labeled as questionable to play in Miami due to a strained left knee. Without Mobley, the Cavs’ defense changes drastically, and they might be exploited if All-Star center Jarrett Allen becomes overwhelmed with manning the middle by himself.

Mobley has yet to miss a game this season, but if he does, Dean Wade should take his place as the team’s starting power forward. Georges Niang and Tristan Thompson will also likely see some extra minutes, with Thompson filling in at center when Allen is on the bench.

The Heat are even more injured than the Cavaliers. Miami will be missing Bam Adebayo (hip), Tyler Herro (ankle), Haywood Highsmith (ankle), and Dru Smith (ACL, season) when they face Cleveland. Meanwhile, despite a left groin issue, Heat three-point specialist Duncan Robinson will most likely play against the Cavs. Despite returning from a thumb injury suffered against the Toronto Raptors, Robinson should continue to start for the Heat.

Given that the Heat still have Jimmy Butler, despite being just as injured as the Cavs, they might give a serious challenge to the Cavs. Keep an eye on Kyle Lowry, who burned the Cavs from the perimeter and was instrumental in destroying Cleveland’s Thanksgiving at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Given that the Cavs are 15-49 all-time in Miami, Mobley should be able to go because they’ll need all the aid they can get.

However, after a solid, overpowering win against the Orlando Magic, momentum could be in Cleveland’s favor heading into a difficult game.