Cleveland Cavaliers big man Jarrett Allen is currently considered a game-time decision heading into Game 2 against the Boston Celtics due to his nagging rib injury. Allen suffered the injury during Game 4 of the Cavs' opening-round series against the Orlando Magic when Magic forward Franz Wagner reportedly “pierced” one of Allen's ribs during one of the more heated moments in Game 4.
But after not being sighted during the team's morning shootaround, where the team does light drills and fine-tunes its plan for the opponent, Allen's availability for the Cavs feels doubtful.
Sure, Allen could've been off the court getting treatment on his ribs, with Cleveland's medical staff evaluating where he's at in his recovery and what his current pain tolerance is if he would play against Boston. But if he wasn't seen getting work in on the floor, even on an individual basis with assistant coaches, it seems unlikely that Allen would suit up for the Cavs against the Celtics, especially if he could not handle any contact during any on-court work.
If Allen could not play in Game 2 against Boston, this would be the fifth game in a row he's missed this postseason for Cleveland. Although Allen has been listed as questionable and considered a game-time decision in every game he's missed, his missing time for the Cavs isn't a matter of toughness, even if some fans and armchair analysts like to claim it is.
Why the Cavs need Jarrett Allen at 100% on the floor
Instead, sources have confirmed that Allen's rib injury is causing him major discomfort and that his recovery has been tricky, especially given the location of the injury and the physical toll Allen's position demands. Whenever opponents box Allen out, it's almost guaranteed he will be elbowed where his injury is located.
No amount of padding, numbing, or protection can prevent Allen from feeling any pain while on the court. If he's struck there continuously, it could aggravate and possibly worsen an already bothersome bruise.
So, with Allen's status up in the air, even if it feels like it's trending towards doubtful, Cleveland should lean on the side of caution with him. If Allen isn't at 100%, it'll be hard for him to impose his will physically on opponents, especially when he risks aggravating or worsening his existing injury.
When the Cavs are at their best on offense, it's when they're attacking downhill with their smalls while their bigs are creating pressure at the rim with their size and strength. While Cleveland certainly misses the 17.0 points and 13.8 rebounds Allen averaged in 31.8 minutes per game when he was available, if he's unable to play at that level, it becomes difficult for the Cavs to be at their best when Allen can't set the tone.
So, if Allen is unable to go, then Cleveland star big man Evan Mobley will start in his place at center, with either Isaac Okoro or Marcus Morris Sr. starting at power forward. While the Cavs have gone 3-1 with Mobley starting in Allen's place, the preferred scenario for Cleveland is to have Allen back on the floor, helping set the tone and keeping the Cavs alive as the underdog against the incredibly formidable Celtics.
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