Evan Mobley set to return for Cavs against Nets

The encouraging news is Cavaliers power forward Evan Mobley is expected back in the lineup tonight against the Brooklyn Nets at Rocket Arena. However, Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson must figure out a way to integrate Mobley back into the mix and still keep center Jarrett Allen playing at an All-Star level. Mobley missed the last seven games before the All-Star break with a left calf strain. That injury has caused him to miss 12 games this season, as he also was sidelined from Dec. 14-23. The 7-foot, 230-pounder hasn't appeared in a game since Jan. 26 against Orlando. Mobley won't be the only newcomer to the lineup tonight. Forward Dean Wade is also expected to play after missing the last three games with a sprained left ankle. "Dean and Evan are trending toward playing (tonight)," Atkinson said. "If we get Evan and Dean back, it's going to change things as far as starting and who comes off the bench. "We could see some more ragged edges. My goal is to be great two or three weeks before the playoffs." Cleveland coaches worked over the break to make sure the two-big lineup operates as smoothly as possible with the addition of the three new players. Atkinson doesn't expect many problems with veteran point guard James Harden since he's a high-IQ player. However, with Mobley sidelined, Allen has taken his game to new heights. In perhaps the best stretch of his career, he's averaged 21.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.1 blocks and 0.9 steals and shooting .736 (64-of-87) from the field in the last seven games. Over his last five games — all victories — the 6-11, 248-pound Allen has been even better at 24.4 points and 12.0 rebounds while shooting .746 from the floor (50-of-67). In Allen's last game, he contributed 21 points, nine rebounds and two blocks and made all eight of his shots in a victory over Washington on Feb. 11. It was his fourth game of the season shooting at least .900 from the field, as well as his ninth game with at least 20 points. The Cavs (34-21) are 24-7 this season when Allen scores in double figures. He's reached double figures in seven consecutive games since Jan. 28 and ranks fourth in the Eastern Conference in field-goal percentage at .623 (248-of-398). Swingman Max Strus, who has yet to play this season after having offseason foot surgery, is not close to returning to game action. He is ramping up his activity but has yet to practice with contact. "Max is progressing," Atkinson said. "He did a high-level workout (Wednesday), with no contact. He's doing a lot more, which is good news." The Cavs' five-game winning streak is longest in the East and one-game behind San Antonio for best in the NBA. Cleveland is also 10-1 over its last 11 games and 17-5 (.772) since Dec. 29, best in the league. The Cavs have won four in a row at home and are averaging 120 points per game, second best in the NBA behind Denver's 120.4. They've scored at least 110 points in 10 consecutive games. Contact Bob Finnan at rfinnan30@gmail.com. Follow him @BobCavsinsider on X.