Jarrett

Allen

The Cavaliers have games on Sunday and Monday, so some key contributors will sit out for injury management reasons. Allen and Mobley not playing against the Pacers frees up minutes for Thomas Bryant and Nae’Qwan Tomlin. While streaming either comes with considerable risk, playing time should not be a concern.

Harden’s night in San Francisco wasn’t as prolific as one would expect, but he was available when the Cavaliers needed him most. Down the stretch, the two-man game between and center Jarrett Allen (16 points, 13 rebounds and one steal) produced some key baskets to help Cleveland remain one game in the loss column behind New York for third place in the East. The Cavaliers are off until Sunday, when they host the lottery-bound Pacers. That could be a game where Harden gets his gaudy assist numbers.

Allen sat the first leg of this back-to-back, but he was able to lead the Cavaliers in scoring in his return to the lineup. All 18 of his points came before halftime, and he didn’t end up seeing the floor much after the break. This was an ugly loss for the Cavs that was somewhat redeemed on the scoreboard during the fourth quarter. Allen only played 19 minutes in this game after playing 18 in his return on Friday, though both games were blowouts. He’ll likely continue to have his minutes managed in Golden State on Thursday.

Allen sat out on Monday, which was the first leg of a back-to-back. He’ll return to take on Los Angeles, though with Sam Merrill (hamstring) sidelined, Keon Ellis could remain in the starting unit for a second straight game.

With Jarrett Allen (knee) getting the night off, Mobley was dominant in the opener of Cleveland’s three-game road trip. In addition to shooting over 70 percent from the field, he provided excellent value in rebounds and blocked shots. Mobley’s season-long fantasy value has not been what most fantasy managers expected before the season began. However, he’s still capable of big nights, especially when Allen is not available. The Cavaliers should have both of their bigs available for Tuesday’s game against the Lakers.

Monday’s game is the first of two in as many nights for the Cavaliers, who visit the Lakers on Tuesday. As a result, it makes sense that Allen would sit on Monday for injury management reasons. Evan Mobley will shift to the center position, with Keon Ellis being a potential replacement in the starting lineup.

Friday’s game was the first for Allen since March 3, so his playing time was limited. He made the most of his opportunities, putting up a double-double in just 18 minutes on the floor. The version of the Cavaliers that played against the Heat is capable of making noise in the playoffs, and Allen can be a productive option for fantasy managers in these final weeks of the regular season.

Allen will be back after missing the last 10 games with knee tendinitis. He’ll start, which will push Keon Ellis to the bench, though he should continue to play a large role as a reserve. The rest of the starters will remain the same as they look to avenge Wednesday’s loss to Miami.

Allen is on track to take the court for the first time since March 3. If he’s ultimately cleared, Allen could be on a minutes restriction, but his return will lower Evan Mobley’s fantasy ceiling. Guys like Max Strus and Jaylon Tyson could see a reduction in playing time, too.

Due to tendonitis in his right knee, Allen has not appeared in a game since March 3. Allen’s absence has shifted Evan Mobley from power forward to center, raising his fantasy ceiling. If Allen remains out, Max Strus could move into the starting lineup because Dean Wade is unavailable.