The Cleveland Cavaliers got along just fine without Jarrett Allen in Friday’s 119-95 NBA Cup victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, but it requires a good amount of energy to compensate for the veteran center’s absence. Mustering the strength to hold down the low-post area is likely even more taxing in the second game of a back-to-back. Allen remains out for Saturday’s home matchup versus the New York Knicks, per Danny Cunningham of The Inside Shot and Locked On Cavs.
The 28-year-old big man played just seven minutes in Wednesday’s showdown with the Oklahoma City Thunder before suffering a right knee contusion. The injury does not appear serious, but the Cavs may want to give him time to heal in order to prevent lingering discomfort. Exercising caution is trickier in this souped-up Eastern Conference, however.
Cleveland is 5-4 and does not want to be forced into catch-up mode this early in the campaign. A healthy Allen gives Donovan Mitchell and James Harden a lob threat to yield, and he also can provide solid rim-protection. The 2021-22 All-Star is averaging 14.8 points and 9.9 rebounds in nearly 400 regular season games for the Cavaliers.
His presence can simplify the offense when necessary while also allowing Evan Mobley to defend all over the floor. The Cavs are looking to knock off the hottest team in the league and the reigning NBA champions in a two-night span, and if they succeed without Jarrett Allen, they should command more respect moving forward.
How a squad responds to adversity is quite telling. Cleveland shrunk after imploding in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. This upcoming meeting with the Knicks is an opportunity for growth.