The Cleveland Cavaliers are locked in a hotly contested first-round series with the Orlando Magic in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Both teams have done a great job of protecting homecourt, with the Cavaliers winning the first two games before the Magic returned the favor in Games 3 and 4.
However, Cleveland’s chances of jumping ahead and taking a 3-2 lead could be taking a hit. A recent update on starting center Jarrett Allen is casting some doubt on his availability for Game 5 on Tuesday night.
As shared by Evan Dammarell on X, Allen has been listed as questionable for Game 5 because of a right rib contusion. All signs are pointing toward him being a game-time decision in a pivotal matchup.
Not having Allen in the lineup would be a massive blow to the Cavaliers. He has been excellent this series and arguably their most consistent player along with NBA All-Star guard, Donovan Mitchell.
In four games, Allen has upped the offensive production to levels he has never reached in his NBA career, averaging 17 points. His 67.6 shooting percentage is the best of any player in the postseason currently.
Adding 13.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks, Allen is getting the job done in every facet of the game. Averaging 31.8 minutes per game, he would be a massive loss for the team on both ends of the court.
Should Allen not be able to suit up, it will be interesting to see what J.B. Bickestaff does with the starting lineup. Does he shift Evan Mobley over to the center spot, starting someone such as Georges Niang or Caris LeVert? Or will he stick with his two big lineup to start, inserting someone such as veteran Tristan Thompson?
Bickerstaff and the Cavaliers are hoping that decision won’t have to be made and Allen will be healthy enough to get into the lineup Tuesday night. If not, they are going to need guys to step up and fill the void.
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