Jarrett

Allen

Allen made his return to Cleveland’s lineup following a six-game absence dating back to November 28 due to a finger injury. The 27-year-old big man was limited to just 22 minutes and hoisted just eight field goals. It’s been a bit of a lost season for him so far but the positive news is that he’s healthy and back in the mix as the Cavaliers attempts to get back on track without Evan Mobley (calf) for a couple weeks.

Jarrett Allen will reclaim his starting spot, and Dean Wade will replace Jaylon Tyson in the first unit. Tyson is still expected to see meaningful minutes off the bench, and he should be held in fantasy leagues, especially with Evan Mobley out for multiple weeks.

Allen is on track to make his first appearance since November 28, and it would come at an excellent time for the Cavaliers. With Evan Mobley (calf) out for at least two to four weeks, Allen would possess a higher fantasy ceiling as the lone post player in the starting lineup. If he remains out on Sunday, expect to see plenty of Dean Wade and Thomas Bryant.

While Mobley played 36 minutes in Friday’s win over the Wizards, he suffered a strained left calf and will be sidelined for a bit. According to the Cavaliers, it’s a Grade 1 strain and Mobley is expected to miss approximately two to four weeks. With Jarrett Allen sidelined by finger injuries on both hands, Dean Wade and Thomas Bryant will figure more prominently in the frontcourt rotation. Wade has played more than Bryant, making him the preferred streaming option if Allen can’t play on Sunday against the Hornets.

While Allen fully participated in Tuesday’s practice, he still has not reached the point where he can play in games. Evan Mobley will continue to start at the center position, which raises his fantasy ceiling. Also, Jaylon Tyson is worth a look in deeper leagues since he has moved into the starting lineup.

Allen has missed five straight and eight of Cleveland’s last nine games, but his participation in practice suggests he’s got a chance to take the court for Cleveland’s next game. The Cavs don’t play again until Friday, which gives Allen plenty of time to recover. If Allen is cleared to play, he could reclaim his starting spot from Jaylon Tyson. Sam Merrill (hand) hasn’t played since November 17, and he did not participate in practice.

Allen returned to action on Friday against the Hawks, but he sat out Saturday against the Celtics and will miss at least a week. Jaylon Tyson is worth a look, as he should fill in for Allen until he returns.

Allen returned on Friday after a three-game absence, but he will be back on the sidelines against Boston. Jaylon Tyson had been starting in place of Allen and would likely return to the opening lineup in a smaller starting unit.

It wasn’t enough to get the win, but Mobley was able to turn in one of his best statistical performances of the season, which included new season highs for both rebounds and assists. The return of Jarrett Allen (finger) after three straight absences didn’t prevent Mobley from having a big night. A drop in shooting percentages has been the main culprit behind Mobley’s drop in nine-cat value, but performances like this one will make up for inefficient shooting.

The Cavaliers will start their preferred five on Friday, with Garland, Hunter and Allen back in the fold. Their returns push Lonzo Ball, Jaylon Tyson and Larry Nance Jr. to the bench, although Allen’s minutes may be restricted due to the amount of time he’s missed.