The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to improve to 4-2 in Friday’s NBA Cup East Group A game against the Toronto Raptors, though they may be without one of their starters.
The Cavaliers announced Thursday that Jarrett Allen sustained a non-displaced fracture of the distal phalanx in his left ring finger during Wednesday’s 125-105 loss to the Boston Celtics. Despite the injury, the big man logged 25 minutes Wednesday, posting 16 points, six rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block while shooting 4-for-7 from the field and a perfect 8-for-8 from the charity stripe.
Allen will be listed as questionable for Friday’s game. However, he’ll undergo “a series of treatment and evaluation” before the Cavaliers make a final decision on his availability.
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What Jarrett Allen’s absence would mean for Cleveland
If Allen is ultimately ruled out for Friday’s contest — which would mark his first absence since the 2024 playoffs — Dean Wade and Larry Nance are candidates for increased roles alongside Evan Mobley.
Wade has seen significant playing time off the bench for Cleveland through five regular-season games this season, averaging 6.2 points and 3.8 rebounds in 23.2 minutes per game. Meanwhile, Nance has averaged 5.4 points and 4.0 rebounds across 15.4 minutes per game.
While Wade and Nance are both likely to see an uptick in playing time if Allen is sidelined, Thomas Bryant and two-way player Nae’Qwan Tomlin might enter the rotation.
Regardless, Allen’s presence would be sorely missed. He’s averaging 14.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.4 steals across 27.0 minutes per contest so far this season.
