That the Cleveland Cavaliers are off to a 9-6 start — their best in five seasons — is a minor miracle because they have been absolutely obliterated by injuries and COVID of late. The Cavs will be without NBA Rookie of the Year betting favorite Evan Mobley, fellow big man Jarrett Allen, forward Lauri Markkanen and top guard Collin Sexton tonight in Brooklyn but should get back Kevin Love. The Nets are in the second of a back-to-back but for now have not indicated they will rest Kevin Durant or James Harden. Brooklyn is -10 at Caesars Sportsbook.
Sexton (averaging 16.0 points) has been out since Nov. 7 with a torn meniscus and won’t be back soon. Markkanen and Love have been in COVID protocols but clearly Love is a bit ahead in that regard as he’s expected back while Markkanen is getting close. Allen missed Monday’s loss to Boston with a non-COVID illness and will sit another.
Mobley was the crushing news as he will miss 2-4 weeks with a right elbow sprain suffered Monday. If the NBA redid the 2021 draft right now, Mobley probably goes first instead of third. The former USC star is averaging 14.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 blocks and had been improving by the game.
The 7-footer had established himself as one of the league’s most versatile defenders and opponents had made just 52 percent of their attempts within five feet with Mobley as a primary defender. The Cavs rank second in the NBA in opponent PPG at 101.1. Mobley is the +250 favorite at Caesars to win Rookie of the Year.
Brooklyn was shockingly blown out at home by Golden State on Tuesday without Joe Harris (11.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg), and he’s out again Wednesday as is reserve Paul Millsap.
Had this been last season, the Nets might have rested either Durant or Harden in the second of a B2B but for now that isn’t happening tonight. Brooklyn is yet to lose back-to-back games this year. The Nets are 4-0 ATS in their past four after an ATS loss.
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