One of the biggest takeaways from the Cavs’ Tuesday night defeat at the hands of the Brooklyn Nets is that Cleveland desperately needs Jarrett Allen back. Their All-Star big man is still dealing with a lingering finger injury and the team has yet to announce his availability for Friday’s must-win clash against either the Atlanta Hawks or the Charlotte Hornets.
According to Chris Fedor of cleveland.com the odds of Allen suiting up for the Cavs’ most important game of the season still remains to be a coin flip:
He continues to progress, able to use his left hand — the one with the fractured middle finger — during intense workouts. But a source still views Friday as a 50-50 proposition.
That is not exactly the type of news Cavs fans want to hear right now. Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that there’s a big chance that Allen won’t be available for Friday’s key matchup.
The Hawks and the Hornets battle it out on Wednesday and the winner will get to face the Cavs. Friday’s final Play-In game will determine the eighth and final seed in the East. The loser will be sent home and be on their way to an early summer vacation.
