CLEVELAND — Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen has been ruled out of Game 5 against the Orlando Magic due to a right rib contusion.
Allen has been a crucial player for the Cavs; he’s averaging 17 points and 13.8 rebounds in 31.8 minutes through the first four games of the series, which is tied 2-2.
Isaac Okoro will start in Allen’s place.
“When he has dominated the games like he did the first games at home, he has a huge impact on the game,” Cavaliers coach JB Bickerstaff said pregame. “He’s been the guys, when we are at our best, is having a quiet impact a lot of the time which people don’t pay attention to … He’s the quiet glue that helps us all be better.”
Allen suffered the injury in the second half of Game 4 when he took an elbow to his ribs. He left the game for a moment but eventually returned.
Allen went through a warm-up before Tuesday’s game that would determine his status. Bickerstaff said they wanted to ensure he could move safely and react safely.
“Your trunk or your core, if you can’t shift and get out of people’s way or do certain things, it could put you in positions where it’s not safe for you to be out there,” Bickerstaff said. “We just want to make sure he’s in the best position possible.”
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