Posted on: December 18, 2023, 09:08h. 

Last updated on: December 18, 2023, 09:08h.

If you’re a sports betting enthusiast, then you need to know that Cleveland Cavs power forward Evan Mobley and guard Darius Garland are headed to the injury list. The two starters will miss several weeks of action.

The injury could have an impact on the NBA odds, with the Cavs’ chances potentially affected. Currently, the Cavs are occupying eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The team is sitting with a 14-12 record, and if the season ended today, the Cavs would be headed for the Play-In Tournament.

Last season, the Cavs went 51-31 and secured the #4 playoff seed. They, however, were eliminated by the #5 New York Knicks in the first round.

Cleveland’s projected win total for this season was 50.5 over/under. After a sluggish start, oddsmakers adjusted their win total to 46.5 o/u.

Mobley Knee Injury: Opts for Surgery

When it comes to Mobley’s knee injury, he has decided to undergo arthroscopic surgery to remove a loose body from his left knee. His absence on the court is estimated to be six to eight weeks, and the team is hoping to have him back before the All-Star Break in February.

In the meantime, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff will have to rely on forwards Dean Wade and Georges Niang to fill in for Mobley in the lineup.

Guard Drama: Garland Out, ‘Spida’ Trade Rumor

As for Garland, he suffered a fractured jaw and could be evaluated to return in February. The Cavs will need to rely on other players to fill in for Garland at the shooting guard position.

Additionally, speculation about Donovan “Spida” Mitchell’s outlook with the Cleveland Cavaliers has emerged, and his future with the team could depend on Cleveland’s performance over the next month of the NBA season, especially with the absence of Garland and Mobley.

Cavs on the Futures Market

With these developments, it’s no surprise that the Cavs’ odds to win the 2023-24 NBA championship have moved from +3500 to +4500. They are currently rated as the fifth team on DraftKings’ futures board at +1600 odds to win the Eastern Conference.

The Cavs will be taking on the Houston Rockets (13-10) tonight, and for sports betting enthusiasts, it will be one to keep an eye on, as the Rockets are the second-best betting team in the NBA this season with a 15-6-2 record against the spread.