It's been tough all year to figure out if it's Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen on the rebounding front for the Cavs. Two nights ago, vs. this same Hawks team, it was Mobley with 22 points and 19 boards, while Allen had 8 boards. Well, tonight, Allen is out. So is Donovan Mitchell. Someone has to get the board. And it wasn't just Wednesday night. Mobley has averaged 31.8 P/R vs. the Hawks in the last five matchups, going 5-0 to this prop. He's also gone 26+ in 8 of the last 10 games overall. It's a great matchup for him, and with Allen out, it's his ballgame.
The Cavaliers have ruled out Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen and Sam Merrill for Friday. The absences of Mitchell and Allen should benefit Evan Mobley, leaving him with more shot attempts and rebounding opportunities. Even with them on the floor against the Hawks on Wednesday, Mobley finished with 22 points and 19 rebounds. The Hawks play at the sixth-fastest pace in the league and allow the ninth-most rebounds per game, so look for Mobley to have a productive evening in both departments.
Hield recorded 19 points (7-18 FG, 5-13 3Pt), eight rebounds, two assists and two steals in 33 minutes during the Bahamas' 100-82 win over Panama in Monday's FIBA World Cup qualifier.
Dort recorded 25 points (8-13 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 5-6 FT), two rebounds, two assists and two steals in 27 minutes during Canada's 97-92 win over Argentina in Monday's FIBA World Cup qualifier.
Hezonja recorded 28 points (8-13 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 12-15 FT), three rebounds and seven assists in 30 minutes during Croatia's 115-80 win over Latvia in Thursday's FIBA World Cup qualifier.
Porter is lined up as Cleveland's top backup point guard after the franchise re-signed James Harden.
Mitchell will be sharing the backcourt with James Harden again this season after the latter re-signed with Cleveland.
Cleveland and Harden agreed Thursday to a three-year deal worth $97 million, per Chris Fedor of The Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Cleveland's acquisition of Peyton Watson adds another versatile forward to a frontcourt that already has plenty of competition for Hezonja and others.
Tomlin faces a more difficult path to meaningful playing time following Cleveland's acquisition of Peyton Watson and subsequent trade for Cam Whitmore.
The Cavaliers' acquisition of Peyton Watson adds another high-upside wing to a rotation that already includes Tyson, creating additional competition for minutes on the perimeter.
Tomlin faces a more difficult path to meaningful playing time following Cleveland's acquisition of Peyton Watson and subsequent trade for Cam Whitmore.
