Cavs’ All-Star Jarrett Allen out indefinitely with broken finger

The Cavaliers’ playoff push simply obtained much more steep.

All-Star middle Jarrett Allen will probably be sidelined indefinitely after fracturing his left center finger in Sunday’s win over Toronto, the most recent setback for a Cleveland staff that can not seem to catch a break.

Allen, who has turn out to be one of many NBA’s most well-rounded huge males, obtained harm within the first quarter, when he additionally sustained a bruised quadriceps whereas driving to the basket. The 7-footer could have harm his finger when he bashed his left hand into the rim whereas blocking a a shot.

The Cavs had been capable of maintain on with out Allen and beat the Raptors 104-96 to tighten their grip on the No. 6 spot within the Japanese Convention.

The staff didn’t present a timetable on Monday for Allen’s return. It is protected to imagine he’ll be out at the very least a number of video games, relying on the severity of the fracture to his non-shooting hand. Cleveland begins a three-game journey at Indiana on Tuesday.

Allen has had a serious position in Cleveland’s rise this season, and now the Cavs might be with out the 23-year-old for a key stretch as they attempt to return to the playoffs for the primary time since 2018.

“He’s the anchor of our protection,” ahead Kevin Love mentioned after apply. “He means a lot to this staff.”

Allen is averaging 16.1 factors, 10.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 56 video games for the Cavs, who’re again in competition after profitable simply 22 video games final season.

The timing of his harm is hardy best for Cleveland, which has been coping with medical points all season. Starting with main scorer Collin Sexton struggling a season-ending knee harm in November, the Cavs have needed to juggle their lineup and persevere.

They’re nonetheless lacking guard Caris LeVert (sprained foot), who has performed simply 4 video games since coming over in a commerce final month, and backup level guard Rajon Rondo. He was signed after Ricky Rubio tore a knee ligament.

Thus far, the Cavs have managed to remain aggressive. Their depth will face one other main take a look at.

“It is undoubtedly been robust,” mentioned Love, who might be moved again into the beginning lineup after coming off the bench. “Everyone has been wrecked by COVID, however even take that out, we’ve had guys miss plenty of video games and I’m simply glad we’ve got so many rattling execs on this staff which have stepped up for us.”

After Allen went down, Cavs rookie Evan Mobley stepped up with 20 factors and 17 rebounds in opposition to the Raptors. The 20-year-old Mobley has been unflappable in his first season, and the Cavs will depend on him greater than ever.

“We’re going to wish him to have extra nights like he had final evening,” Love mentioned. “And whereas that’s plenty of accountability, I feel that he’s greater than succesful and greater than prepared for it. He’s studying on the fly.”

Thankfully for the Cavs, 10 of their last 14 regular-season video games are at dwelling. Additionally they have a three-game lead over Toronto and are 5 1/2 video games up on Charlotte, Brooklyn and Atlanta to keep away from the play-in match.

Love, who in his 14 professional seasons cannot recall being on a staff bitten so laborious by the harm bug, mentioned it is important for the Cavs to focus solely on what’s proper in entrance of them.

“That’s actually what I’m stressing proper now, not getting too far forward of ourselves as a result of we’ve got to maintain our eyes on the prize,” he mentioned. “Clearly, that’s 5, six weeks away, no matter it might be. However we’ve got to be current, we’ve got to consider proper now and our subsequent recreation, being Indiana.”