Cavaliers "Pessimistic" About All-Star's Status For Play-In Game

The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to play the Brooklyn Nets in the first Play-In game Tuesday night, but their chances would be drastically reduced without the presence of All-Star center Jarrett Allen. Although he's finally free of the huge splint on his hand protecting his broken finger, Cavs sources say there's "pessimism surrounding Allen’s availability Tuesday night."

According to Cleveland.com, sources say head coach J.B. Bickerstaff "is mentally preparing for Allen to be out." Another insider called the chances of Allen playing “unrealistic."

9-17 record without Allen

The Cavs went 35-21 with their All-Star big man in the lineup this season, but only 9-17 without him. Allen is the anchor of Cleveland's defense, protecting the rim as well as any player in the league, while also averaging 16.1 points and 10.8 rebounds. 

In the pregame workout before Sunday's regular-season finale, he can be seen testing that injured left hand.

#Cavs Jarrett Allen going through a pregame workout, using that left hand. pic.twitter.com/9oJ3HaPAdI

— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) April 10, 2022

His bulky splint was replaced by black tape for the workout. 

If Allen can't play Tuesday night and the Cavs lose to Brooklyn, they'll have one more shot to enter the playoffs under the Play-In Tournament format, as they would face the winner of the 9/10 seed game, Charlotte Hornets vs. Atlanta Hawks. That game would be Friday night, and one source said Allen would "probably be 50-50" to play in that game.

Photo Credit:  Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports