Cleveland Cavaliers’ starting center Jarrett Allen will miss Game 7 against the Orlando Magic on Sunday due to a persistent rib injury. This will be Allen’s third consecutive game missed in the series.
Allen, who had been the Cavaliers’ most consistent player in the first-round matchup, suffered the rib injury in Game 4. Despite playing nearly 29 minutes in that game and recording 21 points and 9 rebounds, the injury has hindered his mobility and made it too challenging for him to contribute effectively.
Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff confirmed that Allen’s rib injury is still causing him issues, stating “When you experience an injury to your core, any part of your core, it affects your breathing. But moreover, the movement and controlling yourself, and all the things that are essential in basketball, such as changing directions and raising your arms, become challenging.”
With Allen sidelined, the Cavaliers will turn to forward Evan Mobley to start at center. Mobley rolled his ankle in Game 6 but is expected to play in the decisive Game 7.
The team will also lean more on reserves like Tristan Thompson and Marcus Morris Sr. to fill the void left by Allen’s absence.
Allen, a 2022 NBA All-Star, had been a dominant force for the Cavaliers in the series, averaging 17.0 points, 13.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game in the first four contests.
His absence will be a significant blow to Cleveland’s chances of advancing to the second round to face the Boston Celtics.
The winner of Sunday’s Game 7 will move on to the Eastern Conference semifinals, while the loser will see their season come to an end. The Cavaliers will need to find a way to overcome Allen’s absence and match the Magic’s intensity if they hope to secure a spot in the next round.
