Jarrett Allen hasn’t played with his Cleveland Cavaliers since the beginning of March when he suffered a fractured finger.
This was a huge loss for the Cavs: this year, Allen has been averaging 16.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.
He’s become a pivotal, huge part of the team’s defense and a centerpiece for the squad.
Intently watched Jarrett Allen work out pregame yesterday. He's still understandably protecting that finger (taped) and using his right hand to contest defensively.
He caught soft entry passes, but nothing with any velocity. He's real close, just not sure if fully ready.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) April 11, 2022
As a possible playoff run gets closer, there is optimism that Allen might be able to return to the floor soon.
Tom Withers of the AP noted that Allen participated in a pregame workout with the team this weekend.
Allen was still protecting his injured, taped finger but was catching soft entry passes and looking better than he has been.
As Withers puts it, “He’s real close, just not sure if fully ready.”
Can the Cavs make the playoffs without him?
Taking On Big Brooklyn
The Cavs are set to play against the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA play-in tournament.
The Nets, coming off of four consecutive wins, will be a challenge for the Cavs.
If Cleveland ends up losing to the Nets on Tuesday, they will then have to face off against the winner of the Atlanta-Charlotte play-in game.
So they will still have a chance of making the playoffs even with a loss against Brooklyn.
There is no doubt that they would gladly welcome the return of Allen – but they can make it without him.
The team is still filled with many young, powerful players who could get the job done.
But they are about to enter the postseason, which is a completely different beast than the regular season.
This young team is about to see just how far they can really go.
NEXT: Cavaliers Expecting An Evan Mobley Return At The Perfect Time