Evan Mobley injury update: Cavaliers rookie standout expected to return Friday vs. Nets, per report

Mobley has been sidelined since March 28 with an ankle sprain

The Cleveland Cavaliers are expected to get rookie standout Evan Mobley for Friday night's game against the Brooklyn Nets, per Stadium's Shams Charania. Mobley missed the last five games with a sprained left ankle. He sustained the injury on March 28 against the Orlando Magic, where he only played 13 minutes before exiting the game in the first quarter after coming down on Magic forward Franz Wagner's foot.

In Mobley's absence the Cavaliers went 1-4, and it was obvious they were severely missing the rookie's presence on both ends of the floor. Mobley has been essential in Cleveland's success this season, averaging 15 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 blocks per game. He's surprised many people with how impactful he's been on both ends of the floor, specifically on defense. He's helped anchor Cleveland's defense alongside Jarrett Allen in the frontcourt, and his impressive play has made him a frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award. 

Getting Mobley back with two games remaining in the regular season is a huge boost before the Cavaliers have to go through the play-in tournament to try and secure their spot in the playoffs. With just two games left, Cleveland holds a one-game lead over the Nets and Atlanta Hawks for the seventh spot in the East. A win against Brooklyn would go a long way in helping the Cavs keep the No. 7 spot in the play-in, a crucial detail as the seventh-ranked team will not only have home-court advantage but only needs one win to claim a playoff spot.

Though the Cavaliers are still without Allen, who has been sidelined since the beginning of March with a fractured finger, Mobley's return will give them a better chance at challenging the Nets on the road.