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Jarrett Allen (Source: X)
Jarrett Allen, the Cleveland Cavaliers starting center, did not practice because he is still dealing with a severe rib injury that may keep him out of Friday night's vital Game 6 in Orlando. Allen had only missed five games of the regular season until missing Game 5, and he had played in 81 consecutive games, including the first four games of the Magic series.
Jarrett Allen did not dress for Cleveland's 104-103 victory in Game 5 on Wednesday. Cleveland Cavaliers stated that Allen, who was hurt in Game 4, only received treatment on Thursday and completed rehab work while his teammates prepped for the Magic.
Cleveland leads the Eastern Conference first-round series 3-2 and can seal it with a road win against Orlando Magic, who won Games 3 and 4 at home by a combined 61 points.
“He’s still working through some things, still getting treatment.” “He’ll be with us on the trip, obviously, and we expect him to give it a go if he can,” Bickerstaff stated as per AP News.
J.B. Bickerstaff, the Cavs' coach, confirmed that Allen would be traveling with the team. The 26-year-old has been Cleveland's most consistent player in the series, averaging 17.0 points and 13.8 rebounds in four games. He racked up 20 rebounds in game two. Allen is the defense's backbone and the Cavs' second-leading scorer in the playoffs this year.
Evan Mobley takes his place in Game 5
On Tuesday, Allen sat in street clothes at the end of the Cavs' bench to avoid physical contact and preserve his ribs. According to Bickerstaff, Allen's movement is hampered by his injury. With Allen out in Game 5, the Cavs moved forward Evan Mobley to center, starting Isaac Okoro, and increased playing time for reserves Tristan Thompson and Marcus Morris Sr.
Meanwhile, Evan Mobley moved to the center spot in Game 5 after Allen was injured. This Cavs squad is designed with Allen and Mobley playing side by side, even though Mobley has been mentioned as defensive player of the year since joining the league and is capable of holding his own there.