The Cavaliers’ playoff push has just gotten more difficult.
Jarrett Allen, an All-Star center, will be out indefinitely following fracturing his left hand in Sunday’s win against Toronto. This is the latest setback for a Cleveland squad that has been struggling to catch its breath.
Allen, who is now one of the NBA’s most accomplished big men, was hurt in the first quarter. He also suffered a bruised quadriceps while driving towards the basket. He may have broken his finger after he smashed his left hand into a rim to block a shot.
To secure their No. 1 spot, the Cavs managed to keep Allen out of the game and beat the Raptors by 104 to96. 6 in the Eastern Conference.
Allen’s return date was not provided by the team on Monday. It is safe to assume that Allen will be out for at least a few more games depending on the severity and extent of the fracture in his non-shooting right hand. On Tuesday, Cleveland will begin a three-game tour at Indiana.
Allen played a significant role in Cleveland’s rise during this season. Now, the Cavs may be without Allen for a crucial stretch as they attempt to make the playoffs for first time since 2018.
Forward Kevin Love stated after practice that “he’s the anchor for our defense.” He means so much to the team.
Allen averages 16.1 points, 10.8 rebound and 1.3 blocks per game for the Cavs who are back in contention following just 22 games last year.
Cleveland has had to deal with numerous medical issues throughout the season, so this timing is a good fit. The Cavs had to manage their roster and persevere after leading scorer Collin Sexton suffered a season-ending knee injury.
They are still missing guard Caris Lent (sprained foot), and Rajon Rondo, backup point guard. After Ricky Rubio tore his knee ligament, he was signed.
The Cavs have remained competitive to this point. They will be tested again.
Love said that it was difficult and could be moved back to the starting line-up after being on the bench. “Covid has wrecked everyone, but we’ve had some guys miss a lot games, so I’m glad we have so many pros on the team who have stood up for us.”
Evan Mobley, a Cavs rookie, scored 20 points and grabbed 17 rebounds against Allen. Mobley, 20, has been unflappable his first season and the Cavs will be counting on him more than ever.
Love stated that he would need to be able to sleep more nights than he did last night. “And although that is a lot of responsibility, I believe that he is more than capable and ready for it. He is constantly learning.”
The Cavs are fortunate that 10 of their 14 remaining regular-season games will be played at home. They are also three games ahead of Toronto, and 5 1/2 games ahead of Charlotte, Brooklyn, and Atlanta in order to avoid the playin tournament.
Love, who can’t remember being on an injury-prone team in any of his 14 professional seasons, stated that it is crucial for the Cavs’ to be focused on what’s in front of them.
He said, “That’s what I’m really stressing right now. We have to not get too ahead of ourselves because it’s important that we keep our eyes on winning.” It’s still five, six, or seven weeks away, depending on what it is. We have to be present and think about the future, Indiana, right now. “
