Jarrett Allen (knee) good to go Thursday vs. PHI

In addition to hitting double figures in rebounds for the first time this season, Allen recorded new highs in boards and blocks in Wednesday’s victory. His six shot attempts were the fewest for him in a game this season, and that category has declined in each of Cleveland’s first four games. Fantasy managers shouldn’t worry too much about Allen’s shot attempts, but it’s worth watching given the firepower in Cleveland’s starting lineup.

Allen only hit one three-pointer last season, and the last time he hit more than one in a single year was during the 2020-21 season. He got his triple out of the way early this year. Perhaps he’ll get more than that throughout the year, but managers shouldn’t expect it. However, the efficient field goal percentage, rebounds and defensive production are all things he can provide consistently, though this was certainly a high-level outing for him.

Allen entered Thursday’s season opener with right knee patellar tendinitis, but the veteran center took on his usual role in Philadelphia. He did most of his damage before halftime, scoring 14 points and grabbing five rebounds. After halftime, Allen didn’t score and recorded just two rebounds and two blocks. Like many of his teammates who also struggled in the second half, Allen has to be more consistent. Given the fantasy track record, managers should not be concerned after Game 1.

Allen has been dealing with right patellar tendinopathy, but he attended Thursday’s shootaround and said that he expects to play. In three matchups with the 76ers last season, Allen averaged 14.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.3 “stocks.”

Allen is dealing with right patellar tendinopathy, which may keep him out of the Cavaliers’ season opener. If he can’t play, Evan Mobley would slide into the center position, with Jaylon Tyson a prime candidate to move into the starting lineup. If Tyson starts, he would be worth streaming on a two-game night.

With frontcourt sidekick Evan Mobley’s emergence, Allen’s fantasy ceiling has been lower in recent years. However, his floor remains relatively safe, especially with point guard James Harden in the fold for the entire season. Allen logged 17 minutes in Thursday’s preseason opener, so there isn’t much to be taken from his final stat line.

While Allen was able to put up some numbers defensively in Game 4, he offered little else in the 130-93 defeat. After going on an 18-0 run during Game 3, the Knicks blew open Monday’s series finale with a 20-0 run to send Cleveland into the offseason. The franchise can sell the fact of reaching the conference finals for the first time since 2018 as progress, and that would be accurate. However, the way Cleveland was dominated after Game 1 will raise questions. Playing in a lineup that includes Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and Evan Mobley limits Allen’s fantasy ceiling. Still, he should once again offer a relatively safe top-75 floor if the Cavaliers decide to run it back with this core.

After a pedestrian 10-point, seven-rebound effort in Game 1, Allen recorded his first double-double since Game 5 of the Detroit series on Thursday. He was also reasonably productive as a defender, recording three defensive contributions. However, Cleveland’s inability to knock down shots eliminated their chances of winning, especially as the Knicks went on an 18-0 run in the third quarter. Allen and the Cavaliers will look to rebound when they host Game 3 on Saturday.

As he did in Cleveland’s first-round series against Toronto, Allen saved his best for last as the Cavs earned their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2018. The Cavaliers’ starting center thoroughly outplayed Jalen Duren, and his stat line lacked only a three-pointer. In the Game 7 win over Toronto in the first round, Allen put up 22 points, 19 rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Things won’t get easier for Allen and the Cavaliers, as they visit the Knicks in Game 1 of the conference finals on Tuesday.

Mobley recorded a complete stat line on Friday, but it wasn’t enough to compensate for Cleveland’s 19 turnovers, which Detroit converted into 25 points. Last season’s Defensive Player of the Year has put up impressive numbers this series, totaling nine steals and 17 blocks through six games. Jarrett Allen (13/8/1/1/1) also recorded solid numbers in Game 6, and the Cavaliers will need more of the same in Sunday’s decisive Game 7 in Detroit.