41Breakdown
Performance
NewsPowered by
Powered by
December 26, 2025
Productive off bench in return
Mobley (calf) provided 14 points (6-8 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), nine rebounds and three assists across 25 minutes off the bench during Thursday's 126-124 loss to New York.
Analysis
Returning from a five-game absence due to a calf strain, Mobley was eased back into action with the second unit for the first time in his career but still nearly recorded his fifth straight double-double despite a restricted workload. The fifth-year big man had been on a roll prior to the injury, averaging 19.5 points, 10.3 boards, 4.3 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.4 three-pointers in 33.9 minutes over his last 10 games.
December 25, 2025
Cleared to play Christmas Day
Mobley (calf) will play in Thursday's game against the Knicks, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Analysis
Mobley will return for the Cavaliers' Christmas Day matchup after missing five games with a Grade 1 left calf strain. The big man is enjoying a career-best scoring season and was playing at a consistently high level before the injury, averaging 19.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.9 blocks over his previous 10 appearances. Mobley is likely to be on a minutes restriction and will come off the bench with Dean Wade maintaining a starting role.
December 25, 2025
Game-time decision Thursday
Mobley (calf) will undergo a thorough pregame workout before a final determination is made on his availability for Thursday's matchup against the Knicks, Danny Cunningham of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.
Analysis
Mobley hasn't played since Dec. 12 due to a Grade 1 left calf strain but will attempt to return for Thursday's Christmas clash. If active, Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson indicated the big man will be on a minutes restriction. Prior to the injury, the USC product was producing at a steady level, averaging 19.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.9 blocks over his previous 10 appearances. Dean Wade would likely move back to a bench role if Mobley is cleared to play.
December 24, 2025
Chance to play Christmas Day
Mobley (calf) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Knicks.
Analysis
Mobley has not played since Dec. 12 due to a Grade 1 left calf strain. The recovery for such an injury is approximately two weeks, so the fifth-year big man has a chance to return for the Cavaliers on Christmas Day. Mobley's status for Thursday may not be officially known until closer to the 12:00 p.m. ET tipoff, but his return would likely result in Dean Wade reverting to a bench role.