The Cavaliers could be without 2 key rotation players again on Thursday night for a pivotal Game 2 matchup against the Celtics at TD Garden. Cleveland ruled Jarrett Allen as questionable due to a rib contusion for the contest while also ruling out Dean Wade for the matchup.
Allen has missed four straight games overall for Cleveland after suffering the rib injury during Game 4 of Cleveland’s series against Orlando. Prior to the injury, Allen averaged 17.0 points and 13.8 rebounds in his first four games of the playoffs and Cleveland went 2-2 in those contests. He’s been a steady presence all year long for the Cavs as a starter, posting a career-high 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 77 regular season games this year.
Cavs have opted to stay small with him out of the lineup over the past week, starting Evan Mobley at center and going with one true big in the starting lineup. Isaac Okoro has been inserted in the starting five in his place but that combination has left Cleveland very vulnerable on the offensive glass. Boston’s size advantage came in handy in Game 1 as they piled up offensive rebounds in the blowout win.
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If Allen can’t go, look for Tristan Thompson to continue to see minutes at backup center. Former Celtics forward Marcus Morris has also seen spot duty off the bench for a more offensive look but both reserves looked overmatched against Boston in Game 1. The Celtics will also be without Kristaps Porzingis in their front court due to a calf injury but have seen a minimal drop-off in the starting spot in his absence with Al Horford getting increased minutes.
The Cavs will try to even the series at 1-1 on Thursday night in TD Garden with a 7 p.m. tip.
