Cavaliers rookie Evan Mobley leaves with sprained left ankle vs. Magic

Evan Mobley dunks one of his three baskets against Orlando before leaving with a sprained ankle.

Cavaliers rookie Evan Mobley left Monday’s game against the Magic with a sprained left ankle in the first half and did not return.

Mobley had six points and three rebounds in 13 minutes before his injury, which came when he landed on the foot of Orlando’s Franz Wagner while defending under the basket. Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, x-rays on Mobley’s ankle were negative. Further information on his status and prognosis will be provided when available.

X-rays were negative on Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley’s sprained left ankle, sources tell ESPN. Mobley left Monday’s victory over Orlando in second quarter with the sprain.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 29, 2022

The third pick in last year’s Draft out of USC, Mobley has been a revelation in his first season with the Cavs. The 7-foot forward is averaging 14.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks with elite defensive instincts, making him a heavy favorite for this year’s Kia NBA Rookie of the Year award.

Fortified by their new star, the Cavaliers are battling to make the playoffs for the first time since 2018.