Cavaliers big man returns to lineup after three-game absence originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking to bounce back after losing to the Toronto Raptors on Monday. Cleveland will play the Atlanta Hawks in their final NBA Cup group play game on Friday night.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCleveland will look to go six games above .500 in Friday's contest.
Before the game, Cavs insider Ethan Sands reported that the team will be getting back two of its top players. Jarrett Allen (finger) and Darius Garland (injury management) will be in the team's starting lineup on Friday.
Allen, 27, suffered a broken left ring finger in pre-game warmups back in late October. He was able to play through the pain for an extended period, but the Cavaliers decided to shut him down for three games.
The Cavaliers' big man is averaging 14.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting 57.7% from the field in 14 games this season. He will rejoin the Cleveland lineup on Friday, pairing up with Evan Mobley in the front court.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementGarland, 25, is still working his way back from offseason surgery on his toe. The injury is noticeably taking a toll on his play. His points per game have declined from 20.6 points in 2024-25 to 13.4 points in five games this season.
Further information revealed that Cleveland will be without Craig Porter Jr. (hamstring) will be missing his third straight game.
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