The Cleveland Cavaliers will enter Game 7 of their first-round NBA playoffs series against the Orlando Magic without their starting center, Jarrett Allen, due to a rib contusion sustained earlier in the series.
Initially listed as questionable for Game 7 on Saturday, Allen’s availability remained uncertain. Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff, when questioned during pregame media sessions on Sunday, responded with a non-committal “We’ll see.”
Shortly before tipoff on Sunday, the Cavs officially declared Allen unfit to play, marking his third consecutive absence due to the injury. Bickerstaff revealed that Allen suffered a rib injury from an elbow during the team’s loss in Game 4, where Allen contributed 21 points and nine rebounds.
In the 2024 postseason, Allen played a pivotal role in the Cavs’ victories in Games 1 and 2, showcasing impressive averages of 16 points and 19 rebounds with a 60% shooting accuracy. His standout performance included a 20-rebound effort in Game 2.
Throughout the series, Allen maintained strong statistics, averaging 17.0 points and 13.75 rebounds across the four games he participated in. He boasted an impressive 67.6% shooting accuracy, converting 25 of his 37 attempts from the field.
