Will Jarrett Allen play for the Cavs in Game 5 against the Celtics? Injury update

Jarrett Allen is listed as questionable for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ crunch NBA Playoffs clash with the Boston Celtics today, as the center eyes a return from the rib injury that has sidelined him for the last seven games.

Cleveland miss “phenomenal” Allen

A right rib contusion sustained at the end of April has prevented Allen from playing since Game 4 of the Cavaliers’ first-round series win over the Orlando Magic.

The 26-year-old had been in impressive form before suffering the injury. He managed 20 rebounds in Game 2 against the Magic - a display that led Cleveland head coach JB Bickerstaff to laud the former Texas Longhorns player as “phenomenal” - and has averaged 17 points and 13.8 rebounds across his four postseason appearances.

In Allen’s absence, the Cavaliers have slipped to a 3-1 deficit in their Eastern Conference semi-final against the Celtics, who now have the chance to clinch a series victory in Game 5.

Cavaliers vs Celtics: when, where, how to watch

The Cavaliers visit the Celtics today, Wednesday 15 May 2024, with tip-off at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, scheduled for 7pm ET/4pm PT. Viewers in the US will be able to watch Game 5 on TNT, and can stream the action on the online platform fuboTV, which offers new users a free trial.

Who else is on the Cavaliers’ injury report?

Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert are both also reported as questionable for today’s game. Mitchell is dealing with a calf strain that forced him to sit out Game 4 on Monday, and LeVert is suffering from what is described on the official NBA injury report as a “bone bruise” in his left knee.

Meanwhile, Craig Porter is doubtful with a left ankle sprain that has caused him to miss the last 11 games.

Ty Jerome remains a long-term injury absentee for the Cavaliers. The point guard, who last featured for Cleveland in October, underwent ankle surgery in January.